All native people were not officially recognized as U.S. Indigenous people have been one of the last groups of Americans to have their most basic rights and freedoms recognized-even though they were the first ones here. Recognizing and acknowledging indigenous people, our histories, and our contributions to America is integral to uplifting this country’s moral character. So on Monday, let’s all pay tribute to the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and enduring resilience of the first Americans by celebrating Indigenous People’s Day. As a member of the Raven/Sockeye Clan of the Tlingit Tribe (pronounced KLING-get) of Alaska and executive director of the National Congress of American Indians, I know it's long past time to set the record straight and right this historical wrong. If America truly is the land of the free, we should celebrate those who have persevered to liberate themselves. What we celebrate as Americans reveals our character as a country. That's why I'm celebrating indigenous people on Monday-not Christopher Columbus-and you should too. These indigenous nations constitute the true origin story of America, and they are the ones Americans should be honoring. Informed Americans now know millions of people were living in thriving societies with complex governments and cultures across the entire American continent long before Christopher Columbus arrived. The second Monday in October is best known as Columbus Day, a celebration of the explorer who purportedly discovered America after sailing from Spain in 1492.
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