by Judy Thompson

Created on: April 15, 2009   Last Updated: June 22, 2009

I have a personal opinion about this since I am a mixed blood Native American. When growing up, all I heard was about Christopher Columbus discovering America. Then, it came to having Columbus Day to honor Christopher Columbus discovering America. I do agree that Christopher Columbus is a part of our country's history, however, what about what the Native American's brought forth to our history? They were the true founding fathers of this country that we call United States Of America, today.

Many people have called us savages throughout our history, due to the way people portrayed us back in those days, yet we had a right to protect our lands that were being invaded and our families way of life, as well. It was no different back in those times and terms, as it was when we, Americans, got attacked on Pearl Harbor and the day of 9/11. Many fail to see, that Native Americans have not been seen or treated as politically correct in this country when it comes to terms as to whom found America and their way of life, which had been taken away from them.

We have Veterans Day, which honors all of our Military. In which, many Native Americans have fought for this country and it's freedom. Just look at the Navajo Code Talkers. We could have not won that war, if it wasn't for them. I know that the Native Americans have a month dedicated to them, just as the same with Black History month, but then, you have Martin Luther King, Jr. Day for his accomplishments in African American History; Cinco De Mayo, every May, for the Latino Culture; President's Day to honor all of the Presidents, and Columbus Day for Christopher Columbus discovering America. However, what about the true original Americans: The Native American People? As Christopher Columbus discovered America after the fact that the Native Americans already lived here and were settled on the land. I feel that the Native Americans deserve to have a day reserved in honor of recognition for their culture, their historical value to what they brought forth to the American History, and remembranceof the ones that put their life on the line defending their traditions, family, and land, throughout historical events, such as: The Trail Of Tears, Battle Of Little Big Horn, The Long Walk, Wounded Knee, and so much more, especially if Columbus Day is still kept to honor Christopher Columbus and what he brought to the American History. It would, honestly, bring back a natural balance to this country and make the word "United" really stand true within the title of our country.

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