Today marks the celebration of Columbus Day, a federal holiday originally established to commemorate Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas in 1492. It also honors Italian-American heritage. However, the holiday has increasingly drawn criticism, as many view it as a symbol of the mistreatment and colonization of Indigenous peoples.

At the same time, Indigenous People’s Day is being celebrated across several U.S. states and cities. This day recognizes Native American history and culture, and many activists are advocating for it to become a federal holiday or to replace Columbus Day altogether.

Locally, Vincennes will hold a special recognition of Indigenous People’s Day with a park dedication at Minooteeni Park, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. this evening. The park was created to honor local Indigenous Americans.

Last Friday, a Drum Circle took place at the park. Organizer Dan Davis explained the event: “We wanted to do a drum circle to bring together the community, and we thought what better place than the new Minooteeni Park to help dedicate the park and honor those that have come before us.” The drum circle, which included members like Brother Bear from Poseyville, Indiana, served as a community gathering to celebrate local Indigenous heritage.