Margaret Russell wrote an op-ed for the Los Angeles Times about Indigenous People’s Day titled “Lionizing Columbus for ‘discovering’ America neglects the contributions of Native Americans”. The piece ran in 30 publications or news sites nationwide, with a combined circulation of 2.2 million and readership of 7.4 million, including the Chicago Tribune and Arkansas Democrat Gazette. Read the op-ed.
“Amidst the rancorous and painful divisions in the United States today, there is a great need for truth, reconciliation, and healing.
We cannot reach these goals without being straightforward about basic facts underlying our country’s origins and expansion.
Indigenous Peoples Day takes us a step forward by recognizing that the Americas were inhabited before Columbus arrived, and by honoring Native American history and culture.
If we are to create a society of equality and respect, it is essential to resist the temptation to obscure or devalue the significance of Native Americans.”
