In Seattle, today, we observe Indigenous People’s Day as our federal government continues to commentate Columbus Day. It may be confusing, as is often the case when there is change. Overall, it is in the direction of improvement and truth.
I was born in St. Louis, Missouri, where the Cahokia Mounds inform us of a great indigenous civilization much more ancient than Columbus’ arrival. I’m of Irish heritage, so unlike my Italian neighbors there, I had no cultural connection to Christopher Columbus. But the Mounds always captivated me with their unsolved mysteries of who built them, for what reason, why did they leave and where did they go.
How do you honor those who came before you? Can you celebrate the peoples who were here as well as those who came later? Ki to Happiness honors all Indigenous Peoples as well as adventurous travelers, recognizing both within myself.