Editor,
Although the voter turnout of 8 percent in recent city council elections is not a badge of honor for democracy in Albuquerque, the city council’s recent move to declare the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a positive development.
Studies of history show that between 80 to 100 million Native Americans died during the European occupation and colonization of the Americas. It is in this context that the Albuquerque City Council’s move to proclaim Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the same day as Columbus Day is a symbolic nod of respect to those innocent victims who perished during the European colonization of the Americas.
Outgoing City Council President Rey Garduño said, “If somebody is going to celebrate genocide, I have every right to push back by celebrating humanity on the same day. For me, this is a human rights issue and a social justice issue.”
It should be understood that our country becomes stronger, not weaker, by acknowledging historical crimes against other peoples. In fact, one could make the case that by acknowledging these past national misdeeds we might be in a better position to avoid repeating similar moral monstrosities in the future.
Sincerely,
Muhajir Romero
Daily Lobo reader
