Sep 15, 2015 - Native Leaders Seek to Abolish Columbus Day in Oklahoma City

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY RESOLUTION OKLAHOMA CITY

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, September 14, 2015 Socially conscious community members are dedicating their efforts to a movement that could redefine the 2nd Monday in October.  This group of Native American community leaders, publishing on social media under the title Indigenous Peoples’ Day OKC, are requesting that the Oklahoma City Council designate this date as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Oklahoma is home to 38 federally recognized tribes. According to federal census reports, upwards of 20% of the city’s population identified as being of Indigenous descent (Native American, Latino, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander).  Moreover, many place names in the region, and throughout the state, have their origins in Native languages. It is unquestionable that Native cultures have played a dynamic role in shaping and influencing the spirit of OKC.

With the support of Ward 2 Councilman Ed Shadid, this group, using the hashtag #ipdOKC to spread their message, proposes re-branding the historically inaccurate “Columbus Day”, and establishing it as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day allows Oklahoma City to recognize and celebrate the original land base occupied by the city, thriving Native/Indigenous cultures of the area, and educational opportunities for historical accuracy, while bringing awareness to social issues faced by Indigenous communities.

It is an opportunity for Oklahoma City to show it values the many contributions made to our community through Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge, labor, technology, science, philosophy, arts, and cultures that substantially shaped the character of the city.

Multiple cities and Tribal Nations across the country have made the transition from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day.  It’s time for Oklahoma City to take the opportunity to celebrate the enduring cultures and values of the Indigenous Peoples of our region.

To learn more about the efforts of Indigenous Peoples’ Day OKC, go to their FaceBook page: www.facebook.com/ipdOKC

Spokespeople for the group can be reached at ipdOKC@gmail.com.