[Oklahoma City, OK, October 12, 2015] While today is the traditional observance of Columbus Day, numerous Native American tribes, cities, states, colleges, and people across the country are instead working to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day. Here in Oklahoma, several tribal nations, the City of Anadarko, and the University of Oklahoma have all made it an official holiday and the Oklahoma City Council will bring the proposal to a final vote on Tuesday, October 13th.

Indigenous Peoples Day is about recognizing the importance of Native American heritage, to honor culture and traditions, to celebrate the unique contributions of our Native American tribes to our great country, and to remember and reflect on our shared history. Because of that shared history, we should all learn about past injustices and ensure that we don’t allow them to happen again.

The Oklahoma Democratic Party strives to seek liberty and justice for all of our citizens. By recognizing Indigenous People’s Day, we believe that we can all work together in being proactive in unifying all Oklahomans.