Springfield Post

By Ronald Hamm

The Springfield Committee of the Whole heard comments on the city recognizing Indigenous People’s Day during the meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Indigenous People’s Day is an alternative to Columbus Day in October. It recognizes the history and accomplishments of indigenous people in North America, especially as more people learn about Christopher Columbus’s actions toward indigenous peoples.

Illinois has recognized the holiday since 2017. Recognizing Indigenous People’s Day in place of or alongside Columbus Day has lead to heated debate in many places, especially from the Italian-American community that celebrates Columbus’ Italian origins.

Several speakers came to present the value of such an acknowledgment. Marabell Cruz Hine, representing Springfield Families for Ceasefire, explained how native people and their destruction were a result of racism, and how Indigenous People’s Day is an effort to combat that racism.

Hein explained how over 200 cities celebrate Indigenous People’s Day, and how the practices of natives were used to write America’s founding documents. Two students, Brayden and Draden Hacker, went over the history of Columbus and how he is not an individual worth celebrating.

There was a great deal of discussion regarding Indigenous People’s day among the alderpeople. Alderman Ralph Hanauer said that the city doesn’t even celebrate Columbus Day, so there’s no need to change anything.

Alderpeople Shawn Gregory, Erin Connley, and Lakeisha Purchase each described receiving calls from constituents angry about the potential change. Purchase said one call asked, “How would you feel if we tried to change Martin Luther King Jr. Day?”

Alderman Roy Williams Jr. said the discussion reminded him of discussions around Juneteenth and the Fourth of July, emphasizing that both things can exist at once.

Alderwoman Jennifer Notriano, who is Italian, expressed shame and embarrassment not just at the celebration of Columbus, but at the history of Columbus Day generally. 

Reprinted from Illinois Eagle with permission.