The Columbus Heritage Coalition strongly supports celebrating indigenous peoples with a free-standing Indigenous Peoples Day.

President Biden has chosen another path, one of confusion that seeks to shame the legacy of European Americans and the uniting of the two worlds.  He forgets the five centuries of contributions of the Spanish and Latino cultures for whom the Italian Columbus sailed. The same is true for the Portuguese, the French, the English and the many cultures and immigrants that followed.

People of goodwill must respect and honor the history of all peoples in a spirit of unity, without division and hostility.  

In this spirit of unity, we urge all to continue to recognize and celebrate the contributions of indigenous cultures. Join UNESCO on August 9th in honoring the achievements of the indigenous on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.

Drop the hate. Seek the truth.