Indigenous Peoples’ Day is celebrated in several states and cities across the country on the Second Monday of October. The Sioux YMCA is taking a stand and invites organizations and individuals (like you!) to join us taking a stand and pledging to publicly recognizing and celebrating Indigenous People’s Day as an alternative to the narrative and celebrations surrounding Columbus day.

I pledge to support and celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day on the second Monday of October. I/we will use this day as a time to remember the lives lost and impacted in historic tragedies against Indigenous Peoples of what is now the United States. I/we choose to listen, learn and reflect on the appropriation of the Indigenous populations' history, culture, and traditions. Together, on the second Monday of October, we will honor and recognize the past, present, and future generations of our nation’s first people.

Collectively, we are committed to one or more of the following:

-Acknowledging, discussing and sharing information highlighting Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday, October 11, 2021 in place of Columbus Day.

-Learning more about Indigenous Peoples’ day! If you would like links let us know at info@siouxymca.org or follow: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/national-museum-american-indian/2019/10/11/indigenous-peoples-day-2019/

-Connecting with Native communities my area to identify opportunities to amplify their voices and address critical community needs.

-Shopping local, or virtual Native American / Indigenous businesses.
http://www.beyondbuckskin.com/p/buy-native.html

-Supporting Native / Indigenous nonprofits through strategic partnerships, volunteering, or financial giving. Not sure where to begin? Connect with the Sioux Y!  Reach out to us at info@siouxymca.org
https://www.siouxymca.org/our-y

-Beginning the journey of evaluating my organization’s own programs, camps, or other areas of focus for Native or Indigenous appropriation and identifying next steps.
 

The Sioux YMCA is committed to fostering awareness, celebrating Indigenous cultures, and amplify the voices of the Native American communities we serve. We look forward to celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day on October 11 with you!