FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania –Indigenous Peoples’ Day Philly, Inc (IPD Philly) is deeply disturbed by the recent announcement of a lawsuit against Mayor Kenney in an attempt to restore Columbus Day in Philadelphia. IPD Philly supports Mayor Kenney’s decision to abolish Columbus Day and strongly condemns state-sanctioned celebrations of Christopher Columbus. Columbus committed and condoned genocide by: war, enslavement, sexual violence, human trafficking, displacement, demonization, and dehumanization of Indigenous Caribbeans, which became the framework for the colonization of the Americas. The celebration of such an individual is in direct violation of the rights outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and other international agreements.

IPD Philly expresses its disappointment in the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations, Inc. and The 1492 Society, as well as fellow citizens Councilmember Mark F. Squilla and Jody Della Barba whose lawsuit draws on biased and racist representations of Indigenous Peoples. Further, IPD Philly, calls out the lawsuit’s clear attempt to splinter the long-standing solidarity between the Indigenous and Black communities in their shared fight against white supremacy. Rather, IPD Philly uplifts and recognizes its Black allies as well as the existence of Afro-Indigenous/Black-Native kin. IPD Philly expresses appreciation for the support received from allies, especially those of Italian American heritage, and further calls on all Philadelphians to reject Columbus Day. 

Indigenous Peoples have endured continuous attempts at historical erasure and genocide, and therefore understand the need to celebrate heritage; IPD Philly would never deny other distinct peoples the opportunity to celebrate their heritage. However, there is a difference between celebrating heritage and celebrating an individual who committed genocide. The abolishment of Columbus Day is not an attack on Italian American heritage, but rather addresses the violent character and heinous acts of one individual. The reassessment of monuments, statues, holidays, and other public commemorations are part of any society’s process to reshape its values and to transform its public places into safe spaces for all. Historical figures whose commemorations are called into question are not and should not be judged by their heritage, but by their actions. Currently, there are 14 states, the District of Columbia, and over 130 cities that have changed the holiday name from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

IPD Philly firmly believes that celebrating Columbus is in violation of the rights of Indigenous Peoples outlined by the United Nations, which affirms that “states shall provide effective mechanisms for the prevention of, and redress for any form of propaganda designed to incite racial or ethnic discrimination against them (Art. 8.2e UNDRIP). The continued exaltation of Christopher Columbus propagates inaccurate histories, unjustly ignores genocide, and reinforces inequities based on the biologically-groundless notion of race. Furthermore, the social construction of race was and is an ideological tool of settler colonialism, and honoring Columbus works to perpetuate this same ideology. With this in mind, IPD Philly supports Mayor Kenney’s decision to abolish Columbus Day. However, it is regrettable that Mayor Kenney did not include Indigenous voices in his decision-making process, disregarding the right that measures be taken “in consultation and cooperation with the indigenous peoples concerned, to combat prejudice and eliminate discrimination” (Art. 15.2 UNDRIP). IPD Philly demands that Indigenous people are included in future decision-making that impacts Indigenous Peoples in Philadelphia and the displaced original Peoples of this land. 

IPD Philly calls for support to establish Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a state and a federal holiday.  Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day promotes the preservation and perpetuation of Indigenous cultures, celebrates the survival and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, and educates the public about the contributions of Indigenous people to our society. 

Natives and Allies are invited to:

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