October 10 is Indigenous Peoples’ Day
In 1992, Berkeley, California, instituted Indigenous Peoples’ Day on what was the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Columbus in the Americas on Oct. 12, 1492. Two years later, Santa Cruz, California, followed suit. Years later, many other cities and states have also adopted the holiday in support of a broader narrative.
Oct. 10 is Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the United States. At Covenant House we recognize the importance of officially honoring this day for all of our youth, and especially our young people at Covenant House Alaska where 49% are Alaska Native.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in their 2021 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report, shows people of color experience homelessness at rates disproportionate to their share of the American demographic pie. According to HUD, Black and African American people comprise 45% of all people facing homelessness, though they are only 13% of the U.S. population. Hispanic and Latinx/e people make up 22% of the homeless population and 18.5% of the overall U.S. population. Indigenous people face homelessness at about three times their population share of 1.3%.
We know racism, systemic racism, prejudice, oppression, and historical trauma contribute to this overrepresentation.
In the past, some of our houses have had counselors on site during this day to support both youth and staff, as we know the retelling of historical events may be triggering and/or emotionally difficult.
Covenant House Vancouver took this approach just last month in its recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada on Sept. 30, when youth workers planned engaging on-site activities for that day that included reading books by Indigenous authors and a smudging ritual. Youth had the opportunity to have conversations about the day, play traditional Indigenous games, spend time with a spiritual care practitioner, and enjoy a movie night.
It is with unconditional love and absolute respect that Covenant House will observe this day in honor of our Indigenous young people across our federation.
