Indigenous People Day

Day #7

Columbus Day, Canadian Thanksgiving, Indigenous People Day

On this day we are returning home but have time to go to the Native American Culture Museum where they are celebrating the inaugural Albuquerque Indigenous People Day.  

Apparently there are only 6 states that have changed Columbus Day to an Indigenous Day which sadly does not include Washington.  Nonetheless the City of Seattle and Spokane have declared this an Indigenous day.  We still have a long way to go to recognize the original owners of this land and repair all that was done to the Native American population.  

I was impressed by the speeches (some in Navajo or other tribal languages) at the celebration because the leaders did not blame others but talked primarily about healing their inner self and forgiving and focusing on their positive strengths. I found it to be a moving message. The morning included dances by children and adults dressed in their native clothing and costumes and teaching children about their heritage.

Later in the hotel John reads to me from a book we purchased about Dine. The history of the Navajos. On this trip I have once again fallen in love the Navajo people..their incredible art, rich culture, gentle ways and their awareness and connection with the physical environment and the importance of respecting it.  I lament the way Navajos have been treated in Canada and US and think about the New Zealand approach to the Maori tribe, which seems much more enlightened and compassionate.