TWH – Today is Indigenous Peoples Day celebrating and honoring Indigenous American peoples, their stories, and their cultures. It is a counter celebration to Columbus Day, the Federal holiday honoring Italian explorer, Christopher Columbus.
Indigenous Peoples Day was first honored in Berkeley, California, in 1992, to coincide with the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christopher Columbus to (what is now) the Bahamas on October 12, 1492.
While Columbus’ voyage marked the beginning of an age of discovery and exploration in Europe, it also began an era of colonization and exploitation of Indigenous communities in the Western Hemisphere.
Some communities have labeled this day as Italian Heritage Day. In 2021, New York City Public Schools began referring to it as both Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Italian Heritage Day.
The United Nations declared an International Day of the World’s Indigenous People in 2003. however, the international commemoration is yearly on August 9.
President Biden became the first U.S. president to recognize the holiday formally in 2021 and issue a proclamation honoring Indigenous People’s Day. Ten states and more than 100 cities officially celebrate the holiday. This year, President Biden shared similar statements:
On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor the perseverance and courage of Indigenous peoples, show our gratitude for the myriad contributions they have made to our world, and renew our commitment to respect Tribal sovereignty and self-determination.
The story of America’s Indigenous peoples is a story of their resilience and survival; of their persistent commitment to their right to self-governance; and of their determination to preserve cultures, identities, and ways of life. Long before European explorers sailed to this continent, Native American and Alaska Native Nations made this land their home, some for thousands of years before the United States was founded. They built many Nations that created powerful, prosperous, and diverse cultures, and they developed knowledge and practices that still benefit us today.
But throughout our Nation’s history, Indigenous peoples have faced violence and devastation that has tested their limits. For generations, it was the shameful policy of our Nation to remove Indigenous peoples from their homelands; force them to assimilate; and ban them from speaking their own languages, passing down ancient traditions, and performing sacred ceremonies. Countless lives were lost, precious lands were taken, and their way of life was forever changed. In spite of unimaginable loss and seemingly insurmountable odds, Indigenous peoples have persisted. They survived. And they continue to be an integral part of the fabric of the United States.
President Biden added, “Indigenous peoples and Tribal Nations continue to practice their cultures, remember their heritages, and pass down their histories from generation to generation. They steward this country’s lands and waters and grow crops that feed all of us.” The full statement is available via The White House.
Today, the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Act to replace Columbus Day as a federal holiday and designate the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day was reintroduced in Congress in both the Senate and the House.
“Our country has long failed to recognize and acknowledge its dark history of erasure and harm brought upon the first inhabitants of the Americas,” said Rep. Norma Torres (D – CA, 35th District). “The Indigenous Peoples’ Day Act celebrates the 600+ tribes that inhabited the Americas for hundreds of years before the arrival of Western explorers. By designating Indigenous Peoples’ Day a federal holiday, we take a small but important step toward recognizing the injustices in our nation’s history and uplifting the vibrant traditions, history, and culture of all Indigenous communities – an integral part of the cultural fabric of the United States.” The legislation is endorsed by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI).
“Long before Christopher Columbus stumbled upon this continent, many nations of Native people sustained thriving societies across this country,” NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. (Ponca) said. “NCAI applauds Senator Heinrich, Senator Luján, and Representative Torres for re-introducing legislation designed to officially recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day and create space dedicated to acknowledging the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and resilience of contemporary tribal nations and their citizenry, and NCAI urges Congress to pass this bill and sign it into law as expeditiously as possible.”
The Diné (the preferred name of the Navajo) Nation and Ani’-Yun’wiya’ (the name the Cherokee use to refer to themselves) Nation have also endorsed the legislation.
“Recognizing and celebrating the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of indigenous peoples is an essential step towards promoting understanding, equality, and respect. By replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we acknowledge the resilience, wisdom, and enduring presence of Indigenous communities, fostering unity and honoring the diverse tapestry of our nation’s heritage. My thanks go out to Senator Heinrich and Congresswoman Torres for the introduction of the Indigenous Peoples Day Act in their respective houses,” said President Dr. Buu Nygren of the Diné/Navajo Nation.
Happening Tonight:
The Earth-based Spirituality Action Team (EBSAT) will be hosting another meeting on October 9, 2023 at 5 PM Pacific. This meeting focuses on Integral Spirituality. Integral spirituality encompasses the whole of one’s life–not just the “religious” overlay of belief and special practice. Valerie will describe integral spiritual practice at Via Lactea, where regenerative agriculture, permaculture, and recovery of ancestral spirituality inform the whole of our lives, and discuss how neo-Pagan traditions may be uniquely poised to offer pathways to spirituality that is authentic, relevant, and appropriate.
The meeting will be hosted on Zoom (link to meeting) and facilitated by a member of our Action Team.
Do you have news to share with our community? Elevations? Events? Let us know at pcn@wildhunt.org.
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Announcements & Upcoming Gatherings:
Open Coven is running the following in-person events in Western North Carolina this Fall and early winter. Open Coven is run by TWH writer Liz Watkin, a fiber artist and educator with an online learning background.
Open Coven provides resources on using fiber art for magick. This includes embroidery and fiber art kits, classes, and online workshops. For more info. visit their website:
- 10/14 – Magick Talisman Class: 2 – 4 pm at Asheville Raven and Crone (640 Merrimon Ave #207, Asheville, NC)
- 10/19 – Pop-Up: 5 – 7 pm at Of Wand and Earth (20 s Main Street, Marshall, NC)
- 11/18 & 11/19 – Pop-up: 11 am – 7 pm at Asheville Raven and Crone (640 Merrimon Ave #207, Asheville, NC)
- 11/25 – Magick Talisman Class: 2 – 4 pm at The Well (3 Louisiana Ave, W.Asheville)
- 12/9 – Tarot Bag Class: 2 – 5 pm at The Well (3 Louisiana Ave, W.Asheville)
- 1/13 – Altar Cloth Class: 1 – 5 pm at The Well (3 Louisiana Ave, W.Asheville)
The Michigan Witches Ball 2023 has announced dates! It will be held on October 28, 2023, at the Ukrainian Cultural Center, Warren, Michigan, USA.
Are you ready to immerse yourself in a world of enchantment and mystery? Look no further than the highly anticipated Michigan Witches Ball, where magic comes alive and dreams become reality. This extraordinary event is not to be missed, as it promises an unforgettable evening filled with spellbinding music, captivating people, and a bewitching atmosphere that will leave you mesmerized.
Step into a Realm of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Prepare to be transported to a realm where witches and wizards roam freely. The Michigan Witches Ball is a celebration of all things mystical and supernatural, where attendees can embrace their inner magic and indulge in an evening of pure enchantment.
Indulge in Delectable Delights
No magical evening would be complete without delectable treats to tantalize your taste buds. The Michigan Witches Ball offers a wide array of culinary delights that are sure to satisfy. Savor mouthwatering food. Indulge in desserts. And of course, no witch’s gathering would be complete without a selection of potions and elixirs to quench your thirst at the open bar.
Dress to Impress in Your Finest Witch Attire
The Michigan Witches Ball is the perfect occasion to unleash your inner witch or warlock. Embrace the opportunity to dress up in your most extravagant and spellbinding attire. From elegant witches’ gowns adorned with intricate lace and velvet to dapper warlock suits complete with top hats and canes, let your imagination run wild.
Meet and Support Michigan Pagan Charities
Be dazzled by the shining stars that are the volunteers who staff Pagans In Need food pantry, Wolf Run Wildlife Spiritual Sanctuary, and the Michigan Pagan Scholarship. Chat with these magical altruists adept at the conjuring of compassion.
Tickets and information about the Michigan Witches Ball are available on their website via Eventbrite
Please join the Chicago area Reclaiming Pagans and extended community on Sunday, October 29 at 6:00 p.m., doors open at 5:30, at the Unitarian Church of Evanston as we celebrate Samhain with a Spiral Dance, ritual, and a vegetarian potluck meal. The Spiral Dance is a Samhain ritual honoring the memory of our beloved and mighty ancestors as we who live set our intent for the coming year. This ritual has been held by the Reclaiming Collective in San Francisco for the last 43 years, and we are excited to bring this ritual to Chicago and thank UCE for hosting us. We are also looking for volunteers for both logistical and ritual roles.
We strive to make this event accessible to all. If you have any special or specific accessibility needs, please feel free to contact us at spiraldancechicago@gmail.com
Masks are encouraged but optional; they will be provided. Please do not wear perfumes or strong scents. If you feel called to bring something for the potluck, please label all ingredients. Weather permitting, the potluck meal will be outside.
If possible, please pre-register via Eventbrite. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. Donations of between $0 and $20 dollars are welcome to defray costs; any surplus donations will be given to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Image via Announcement
Public Samhain Ritual at UMass Amherst Stone Circle- SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023 AT 5:30 PM. Please join us for a public Pagan ritual at the UMass Amherst Stone Circle in honor of Samhain and the turning of the year/end of the harvest season. All Pagan and Pagan-leaning people are welcome to join us in the common purpose of honoring our ancestors, those who have recently passed and those who have recently been born. This ritual is inclusive of all traditions, paths, perspectives, backgrounds, ages, cultures, gender identities, abilities, experiences, etc. Please consider bringing a photo or two of those who have passed that you would like to honor during our time together.
In the spirit of supporting the larger community, we will be collecting donations at the ritual for our neighbors and are requesting non-perishable food and/or toiletry items. There is no cost to attend the ritual. Food donations are only requested of those who are in a place to be able to donate.
This is an outdoor ritual. Please dress appropriately for the season and weather.
Learn more by visiting our event page on Facebook.
If you have an announcement to share with the community,
send it to The Wild Hunt at pcn@wildhunt.org
Positively Noteworthy
When Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas in 1492, he encountered the Taíno people on the island of Hispaniola (modern-day Haiti and the Dominican Republic). They were the first Indigenous People with documented contact with Europeans.
Unfortunately, due to diseases, forced labor, and violent conflicts with European colonizers, the Taíno population declined significantly after European contact. Many Taíno people were enslaved or died due to diseases brought by the Europeans, leading to the eventual suppression of their culture and way of life.
Myths abound that the Taíno have been extinct since 1565. It’s been called a “paper genocide,” the elimination of a people from the historical record. The Taíno, however, are still around. DNA research in the past few years has found that 61% of all Puerto Ricans and roughly a third of Cubans and Dominicans have Native American mitochondrial DNA.
There is now a resurgence of interest in Taíno culture and heritage. Efforts are being made to preserve and revive their language, traditions, and customs, although much of their original culture has been lost over the centuries.
Taino Dominican singer-songwriter and musician, Irka Mateo, shares how Taíno culture affects us today and how the language has shared words like barbecue, canoe and hurricane with English.
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Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: Everyday Witch Tarot, by Deborah Blake, art by Elisabeth Alba, published by Llewellyn Publications.
Card: Five (5) of Pentacles
This week is liable to present some difficulties where finances, health, or possibly even housing are concerned. It may also reflect a fear of loss, and can be a timely reminder to school one’s thoughts away from creating what is feared might happen.
Conversely, the light at the end of the tunnel is thankfully not a train and can signal moving out of recent hard times.
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