The first Indigenous People's Day at UCLA

Editors, Wisdom Quarterly, Min (Mapping Indigenous LA); Samantha Spotswood (The Tab)

Samantha Spotswood of The Tab interviewed Wisdom Quarterly's own Dhr. Seven at the first annual Indigenous People's Day at UCLA with the principals who made it possible (The Tab).

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Fowler Museum with amphitheater in front

Wisdom Quarterly went to the Fowler Museum atrium on the campus of UCLA in Westwood. National Geographic was filming us.

LA City Council Member Mitch O'Farrell was introduced by Prof. Shannon Speed, director of the American Indian Studies Center (AISC)

Chrissie Castro, Navajo

It turns out that he, too, is part Irish and part Native American, Wyandotte. The councilmember talked about his tribal affiliation, his mother a Native princess. He was awarded a blanket, a high indigenous honor, as was his sister, our own beloved Navajo Chrissie Castro.

An Italian American stood up and gave an impassioned speech about delivering a letter signed by 50+ Italian scholars all agreeing "Columbus Day" should be abolished -- all over the United States, not just L.A. and Long Beach.

Mitch O'Farrell, Pat Lopez, Chrissie Castro, Prof. Shannon Speed, et al. (MILA)

 
We told him about Italian Councilmember Mike Bonin's heroic speech at the LA City Council meeting that voted to abolish Italian Columbus Day and institute Indigenous People's Day. He knew, having been there to witness it.

Drumming circle (Mapping Indigenous LA)

The team that helped Councilmember O'Farrell succeed after years of effort were also honored.

Drummers drummed (shown at left) and sang as about 100 audience members did the circle dance holding hands in friendship reminiscent of the banned Lakota Ghost Dance.

The students of Nahuatl-and-Spanish-language-reviving Semillas School of El Sereno, Los Angeles (photographed by The Tab at top), had planned to perform Aztec dance in full regalia.

But one was respected by Fowler Museum staff and refused to perform in the building or its precincts. They instead stationed themselves under the stars and track lights under Janss Steps.

• There are many North American Natives

Semillas Community Schools, LA, reviving Native American teachings (dignidad.org)