Today, October 9^th, by proclamation of our president, we observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day.  We honor our Native Americans for their resilience and contributions to American society, despite the discrimination and genocide that spanned generations. 

A major barrier facing Native peoples is invisibility in the minds of the public, the media, the educational system and popular culture.  Because of this their needs receive less attention than is deserved.  A recent survey said 78 percent of Americans said they know little to nothing about these indigenous Americans. 

So today, let’s honor some of these brothers and sisters of ours, fellow children in God’s kingdom.

Marine Colonel Nicole Mann, U.S. astronaut and first Native American woman in space, hopes to inspire future generations of Native Americans.  Col. Mann is a member of the Wailacki of the Round Valley Indian Tribes.

Tommy Orange, author whose debut novel “There There,” told the story of several indigenous Americans living in Oakland and their experience with urban life.  It made the New York Times Best Seller List.  Tommy is Cheyenne and Arapaho.

Joy Harjo is the first Native American poet laureate in U.S. History.  Writing since 1973, her poetry confronts and dismantles long-held stereotypes around indigenous people.  Joy is a member of the Muscogee tribe.

Another trailblazer, Deb Haaland represents the New Mexico congressional district containing most of Albuquerque and its suburbs. She’s s 35^th generation New Mexican and member of the Pueblo of Laguna, a tribe rooted in that region.  She’s been a co-sponsor on legislation to combat environmental pollution, improve the ability to vote by mail, and give indigenous people more autonomy in controlling their tribal lands. 

Remembering that the Indigenous Americans were here first in this great land, let’s pause in humility and gratitude for their contributions to our society.  God’s love is unconditional for each of them, as it is for you and me.  Praise be to a great and good God!

Judy