In case you are looking for an expert to speak about the upcoming Indigenous Peoples Day (Oct. 9), you may want to consider Philip Arnold, associate professor in the department of religion at Syracuse University. Additionally, his comments are below. If you’d like to schedule an interview with him, please reach out to Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu.
Professor Arnold writes: “My new book “The Urgency of Indigenous Values” (Syracuse University Press) helps us all to better understand the significance of the shift from Columbus to Indigenous Peoples Day. The enduring values of Indigenous Peoples all over the world, but particularly those of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), have had a profound influence on US culture through democratic principles, women’s rights, lacrosse and foodways. However, these connections have been obscured by the legacy of domination of Indigenous Peoples and their lands by settler-colonialism, which is symbolized by Columbus. Concern for our future has led immigrant people back to those who originally welcomed them. Moving to Indigenous Peoples Day signals a respect that has been sorely lacking throughout our history.”
