"n 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue on a mission of plunder for Spain. When he arrived here, he commenced the virtual annihilation of the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

A culture and nation founded on the murderous, exploitive philosophy of this act has two choices: apologize and make reparations, or cunningly twist the facts and make it an opportunity for celebration.

The United States has chosen the latter. In many ways, the whole Columbus Day debate is a big yawn for native peoples, just another in the ongoing pinches in the rear that define being Native American in America. "

Get the Story:
Mary Annette Pember: Celebrating Columbus is akin to condoning genocide and violence (The Arizona Daily Star 10/9)

Relevant Links:
Transform Columbus Day - http://www.transformcolumbusday.org

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