BIDEN BECOMES FIRST PRESIDENT TO ISSUE PROCLAMATION MARKING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY!
(CNN)President Joe Biden issued a proclamation commemorating Indigenous Peoples' Day on Friday, becoming the first US president to do so, the White House said.
"The contributions that Indigenous peoples have made throughout history — in public service, entrepreneurship, scholarship, the arts, and countless other fields — are integral to our Nation, our culture, and our society," Biden wrote in the proclamation Friday. "Today, we acknowledge the significant sacrifices made by Native peoples to this country — and recognize their many ongoing contributions to our Nation."
Biden also marked a change of course from previous administrations in his proclamation marking Columbus Day, which honors the explorer Christopher Columbus. In that proclamation, the President acknowledged the death and destruction wrought on native communities after Columbus journeyed to North America in the late 1500s, ushering in an age of European exploration of the Western Hemisphere.
"Today, we also acknowledge the painful history of wrongs and atrocities that many European explorers inflicted on Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities. It is a measure of our greatness as a Nation that we do not seek to bury these shameful episodes of our past — that we face them honestly, we bring them to the light, and we do all we can to address them," Biden wrote.
More than 100 cities -- including Seattle, Los Angeles, Denver, Phoenix, San Francisco -- and a number of states -- including Minnesota, Alaska, Vermont and Oregon -- have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day, choosing instead to recognize the native populations that were displaced and decimated after Columbus and other European explorers reached the continent. Berkeley, California, was the first city to adopt Indigenous Peoples' Day, in 1992.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that Friday's announcement didn't entail ending Columbus Day as a federal holiday.
"Well, today is both Columbus Day, as of now ... as well as Indigenous Peoples' Day," Psaki said. "I'm not aware of any discussion of ending that either, ending the prior federal holiday at this point, but I know that recognizing today as Indigenous Peoples' Day is something that the President felt strongly about personally, he's happy to be the first president to celebrate and to make it, the history of moving forward."
As candidate, Biden recognized Indigenous Peoples' Day, drawing the ire of former 45th President.
Read and learn more HERE!:
https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/08/politics/in... ********
Biden issues first-ever presidential proclamation of Indigenous Peoples' Day!
Biden issues first-ever presidential proclamation of Indigenous Peoples' Day
© Getty Images
President Biden on Friday became the first sitting U.S. president to issue a presidential proclamation marking Indigenous Peoples' Day.
Biden's move comes as one of the most recent efforts to boost the federal holiday and celebrate the contributions of Native peoples, according to The Associated Press.
Indigenous Peoples' Day is set to be celebrated on Monday — the same day as Columbus Day, the news outlet noted.
In the proclamation, Biden highlighted the resilience of Indigenous peoples as well as their ability to overcome.
“For generations, Federal policies systematically sought to assimilate and displace Native people and eradicate Native cultures,” Biden wrote. “Today, we recognize Indigenous peoples’ resilience and strength as well as the immeasurable positive impact that they have made on every aspect of American society.”
Biden also issued a separate proclamation on Friday acknowledging Columbus Day, in which he celebrated Italian Americans but also referred to the violence Columbus inflicted on Native communities during his time.
The cities and states marking Indigenous Peoples' Day for the first...
GOP lawmakers introduce measure in support of Columbus Day
“Today, we also acknowledge the painful history of wrongs and atrocities that many European explorers inflicted on Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities,” the proclamation stated. “It is a measure of our greatness as a Nation that we do not seek to bury these shameful episodes of our past — that we face them honestly, we bring them to the light, and we do all we can to address them.”
The president's tone was significantly different from former 45th President's proclamation of Columbus Day.
Read and learn more HERE!:
https://thehill.com/homenews/administratio... ********
Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland Honors 8 Tribal Leaders who were dedicated to protecting Bear's Ears. Watch HERE!:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqdohiEuvW... ********
Champions for Change
Recognizing Native youth who inspire one another to make a positive impact in their communities
The Champions for Change (CFC) program is a Native youth leadership initiative designed to highlight positive stories of impact from Indian Country. The program, inspired by a 2011 White House initiative, develops young Native leaders through experience-based learning and tailored advocacy training.
About the Program
Each year, CNAY selects five inspirational Native youth, ages 14-24 from across the United States to be Champions for Change. All applicants, regardless of acceptance, are named Gen-I Ambassadors and stay engaged with CNAY and the Gen-I Network. Champions are young leaders who have a desire to better their communities. This can be done in schools or programs, on reservations or in urban environments; anywhere there is opportunity to create positive impact.
Champions for Change 2022
CNAY is currently accepting applications for the 2022 Champions for Change cohort!
APPLY TODAY
Applications close October 29, 2021
The application includes three parts:
An Essay
One Peer Recommendation (someone around the applicant’s age)
One Adult Recommendation (18 years or older)
To be eligible youth must:
Self-identify as Native or Indigenous
Be between the ages of 14 and 24 years old
Currently reside within the United States
What is the Role of a Champion?
Champions enter a close year-long working relationship with CNAY that begins in the spring with a series of recognition events in Washington, DC. This national recognition provides an initial platform for Champions to amplify their leadership stories and benefit from a variety of resources that enhance their advocacy skills. Throughout their term as a Champion, they will receive support, resources, and opportunities to represent themselves and CNAY at various events.
What happens after the event in DC?
Beyond national recognition events, Champions remain engaged with CNAY through a one-year term on CNAY’s Youth Advisory Board, and take advantage of ongoing opportunities to contribute to the national dialogue on critical issues affecting youth in Indian Country.
CNAY Youth Advisory Board Members:
Participate in quarterly meetings to stay engaged in CNAY’s work and build leadership skills;
Serve as young community experts and are invited to provide their perspectives at and participate in conferences, webinars, meetings, and other speaking engagements;
Lead by example by serving as positive role models for their peers; and
Act as community liaisons to share information about resources and youth opportunities with their communities and peers.
VISIT:
https://www.cnay.org/champions/
Posted By: agnes levine
Monday, October 11th 2021 at 6:27PM
You can also
click
here to view all posts by this author...
