The progress of the United States in celebrating its Native heritage has been slow. But now – during Native American Heritage Month – Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, 13th District, is working to speed up the process by replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day as a paid city holiday.

Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, center, is a member of the Wyandotte Native American tribe. Above, he celebrates Native American Heritage Month last week in front of Los Angeles City Hall.
(courtesy of Councilman Mitch O’Farrell’s Twitter account)

It wasn’t until 1990 before President George H.W. Bush signed a resolution recognizing November as National Native American Heritage Month. The act has continued every year, including last week when President Barack Obama signed a similar resolution to recognize that Native Americans have helped shape the future of the United States “through every turn of our history.” Obama recognized that there have been “too many unfortunate chapters of pain and tragedy, discrimination and injustice” and pointed out that throughout their lives, 84 percent of American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls experience some form of violence.

“We must acknowledge that history while recognizing that the future is still ours to write,” Obama wrote.

Los Angeles officially recognized its own Native American Heritage Month in 2006. But last year, O’Farrell, a member of the Wyandotte Native American tribe, directed city staff to take it a step further and explore establishing Indigenous Peoples Day in Los Angeles – home to the largest population of indigenous people in the country.

City staff conducted research, interviews and community forums. The Human Relations Commission found “sharp disagreement” in how to create an Indigenous Peoples Day.

Italian Americans say Columbus Day is about the birth of a nation, the discovery of a “New World,” and establishment of a large Italian American population. The Native American community, however, points to historical records of Columbus being a murderer, rapist and slave trader, and that his discoveries set “in motion a genocide that would last centuries.”

On Nov. 4, the city council paid tribute to the past, the present and the future of Native American Angelenos at city hall. During the meeting, dozens of people testified in support of replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day.

Supporters include Joe Berra, an Italian citizen and second-generation Italian American, who encouraged the council to approve O’Farrell’s proposal. He explained that his grandparents suffered discrimination and that they celebrated Columbus Day “for the right reasons, but they chose the wrong symbol with which to identify.”

He said it is time to honor the fact that this land was home to another people first.

“I realize it will be difficult for many in our community to tear themselves away from this symbol, but it is the right thing to do, for the right reasons,” he said.

Mitch O’Farrell honors his native heritage during the city’s celebration of Native American Heritage Month.
(courtesy of 13th District Council Office)

O’Farrell said recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of the “original inhabitants” of Los Angeles is long overdue.

“The city council has the opportunity to follow cities and states across the country in declaring the second Monday in October as Indigenous People’s Day in the city of Los Angeles,” O’Farrell said. “Christopher Columbus’ legacy of extreme violence, enslavement and brutality is not in dispute. Nor is the suffering, destruction of cultures and subjugation of Los Angeles’ original indigenous people, who were here thousands of years before anyone else.”

But the Italian Sons and Daughters of America disagree. Basil Russo, the president of the organization said the efforts to replace Columbus Day have caused a “great deal of tension and animosity.” He said rather than to honor one individual, the holiday has been characterized as Italian American heritage day that is set aside to honor and recognize a “monumental historic event that began the process of over 500 years of worldwide immigration to America by people seeking a better life for their families.”

“Should this discussion next proceed to the elimination of President’s Day because Washington and Jefferson were slave owners?” he asked.

He said Italian Americans support the designation of a day to honor the contributions Native Americans have made, but he added that eliminating Columbus Day would undermine the celebration of Italian American heritage.

O’Farrell’s Italian colleague, Councilman Joe Buscaino, is opposed to the idea. His office did not return calls for comment.

O’Farrell had hoped the council would consider the proposal last week, but the Council President Herb Wesson removed the item from the council’s agenda. Wesson’s office did not return multiple calls for comment.

Tony Arranaga, communications director for O’Farrell, said their office hopes the council votes on the issue before the end of the year.

In 2014, Indigenous Peoples Day was celebrated for the first time in Minneapolis and Seattle. In 2015, nine cities across the country decided to do the same and end Columbus Day, including Albuquerque, New Mexico; Portland, Oregon; St. Paul, Minnesota; Bexar County, Texas; Traverse City, Michigan; and Olympia, Washington. In 2016, Denver, Phoenix, Vermont and Minnesota joined the trend.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 689,320 American Indians and Alaska Natives live in California as of 2011, part of the 5.1 million nationwide.

Through www.Native-OneStop.gov, Obama’s administration has worked to improve coordination and access to federal services throughout Indian Country. Indian Country still faces many challenges, Obama said, “and we must never give up on our pursuit of the ever brighter future that lies ahead.”

“This month, let us celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native Americans and ensure their rich histories and contributions can thrive with each passing generation,” he wrote.