Celebrating Indigenous People instead of Christopher Columbus

Press Release

Today, the United States recognizes Christopher Columbus Day, a day on which we celebrate the "discovery of America." But it is widely known that Columbus brought disease, death and destruction to the Indigenous peoples, both of Maine and of the greater United States, and that they have suffered tremendous and horrific losses to their populations and to their culture in the centuries since.

What we see in those communities today -- the high rate of youth suicide, the devastating health disparities -- are linked to the historical trauma of European oppression that traces back hundreds of years.

The four federally recognized tribes within Maine -- the Penobscot, MicMac, Maliseet and Passamaquoddy -- have embarked on a journey to unpack that historical trauma and revive their culture. Through language revitalization efforts, cultural study and documentation, truth and reconciliation efforts and sustainable living, Maine's native communities are working to restore their traditional structures and ways of being.

I support renaming Columbus Day as Indigenous People's Day, so that we can appropriately honor those who deserve our respect.

Rather than celebrate the holiday's namesake, we should choose instead to focus on the histories -- both the injustices done to and contributions made by -- the Indigenous people of Maine. This land was being governed and settled by millions of people by the time of Columbus' arrival, and it is those people who deserve a day of celebration.

It is past time to stop honoring Christopher Columbus and instead honor the Indigenous people of Maine and the United States.

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