Indigenous Peoples' Day
Channel: Howard Brown Health
Date: 2020-10-13

Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day!

In 1977 participants at the United Nations International Conference on Discrimination against Indigenous Populations in the Americas proposed that Indigenous Peoples’ Day replace Columbus Day.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the past, present, and futures of Native peoples throughout the US. The holiday recognizes the legacy and impact of colonialism on Native communities, and it also celebrates the cultures, contributions, and resilience of contemporary Native peoples.
How can you Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

1. Learn what Native Land you’re on.
Territory acknowledgment is a way to bring an awareness of Indigenous presence and land rights in everyday life. Illinois originally belonged to the Native tribes Illinois, Miami, Winnebago, Fox, and Sacs (Sauk), Kickapoo, and Pottawatomie tribes.
  
2. Plant Native Plants to support health ecosystems. 
The importance of nature in Native American culture is a widely noted fact throughout history. The natural world permeates all aspects of Indigenous American life— religion, daily rituals, mythology, writing, food, medicine, art, and so much more. Their way of life goes hand in hand with the land and environment.

3. Support Native People and Indigenous organizations.
Native people have historically been removed from conversations and representation. By learning and supporting indigenous organizations and the culture of the Native community, you can amplify their voices and experiences.

Learn more about the land you’re on here:
https://www.whose.land/ 
https://native-land.ca/