I’ve spent the day reflecting on the history of today’s federal holiday.

As many states choose to forego celebrating Columbus Day to instead honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we need to acknowledge the complex history surrounding the colonization of North America.

When Christopher Columbus arrived, he brought after him tremendous pain for indigenous people -- including centuries of genocide, forced assimilation, and theft of native land.

This has led to centuries of the erasure of the cultures of indigenous people -- and it’s important that we acknowledge this as a country so we can work to right the wrongs America has imposed upon Native American communities.

That’s why I hope you’ll join me and take today as an opportunity to reflect on the history and allow indigenous people the opportunity to celebrate their culture, strength, and heritage.

Thank you,

Nabilah