FAYETTEVILLE, AR – Christopher Columbus day was changed to Indeginous peoples day in Fayetteville, Arkansas by Mayor Lioneld Jordan.
The University of Arkansas Invited students and faculty to walk from campus to an historic landmark from the Trail Of Tears.
University members met at the Union Mall on campus, then walked together to the edge of campus near Martin Luther King Blvd.
Upon arriving at the historic landmark, people were greeted by Gabby Nagel, an Eastern Band Cherokee member, and Mayor Lioneld Jordan.
Gabby began the event by playing a series of hand carved wooden flutes, And thanking everyone for being there.
Mayor Jordan discussed the importance of the name change to Idegious peoples day, because of their sacrifices and hardships.
Native Americans were the first people to call America home, when Christopher Columbus an Italian explorer arrived.
It was said that Christopher Columbus paved the way for European exploration and colonization of the Americas. When in reality Columbus pillaged through Native American land and opened the gates for colonization of their native land.
The Trail of Tears marks the enormous and deadly journey Native Americans were forced to take after being removed from their homes.
Gabby Said, “What a lot of people don’t know is that the Eastern Bands made it back, we fought our way home after our husbands and sons were took from us.”
“I do hereby proclaim that October the 11th 2021, as Indegious peoples of America day in Fayetteville Arkansas.” Mayor Jordan claimed at the end of the event.
Gabby stood tall as her people were honored this day in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
By: Hailey Middleton