Indigenous Peoples' Day 2018: Activists Want To Accomplish More

SEATTLE, WA - Across Washington Monday, people observed Indigenous Peoples' Day, a celebration of native culture and a replacement for Columbus Day. Seattle's celebration began in Westlake Park around 9 a.m. when a large crowd - braving the rain - met for a blessing, speeches, and a march through downtown.

In 2014, Seattle became the first city in the state to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day. And while activists are glad for the holiday, they say there's far more to be accomplished.

Gene Wells, of Seattle, has been a longtime native rights activist. He provided security at anti-Columbus Day demonstrations in Denver in the 1990s. Denver adopted the holiday in 2016, but Wells wants much more - recognition of treaties or even just the recognition that a tribe exists, for example.

As many know, Seattle is named for the Duwamish Chief Sealth. In 2015, federal officials rejected the tribes application for federal recognition. Duwamish. Federal recognition would allow the Duwamish to receive money for education and healthcare, and the ability to open a casino.

For Macros Martinez, 20, a member of the Aztec dance group CeAtl Tonalli (pictured above), Indigenous Peoples' Day provides an opportunity to reunite tribes from across North and Central America. Before the U.S. and Mexico existed, Martinez pointed out, people from the north and south mingled freely without borders.

"It's a great day to be indigenous. Our roots go deeper than the concrete," Martinez said, pointing down at the granite bricks of Westlake Park. Martinez became a Tonalli dancer at age 16. He said he was inspired to delve deeper into his culture by a dream had about his grandmother.

Leon Rattler, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, traveled to Seattle from Montana to celebrate. No cities in that state observe the day, but Rattler said Montana's public schools have a nation-leading curriculum on indigenous people.

Seattle's indigenous activists are are especially prolific, Rattler said. He specifically highlighted the work of Billy Frank, a member of the Nisqually tribe who fought for native fishing rights. Frank's activism resulted in a Supreme Court decision that elevated Washington tribes to be co-managers of the state's salmon population.

The rally at Westlake was followed by a march to City Hall. There, the group had lunch and talked to city officials. Mayor Jenny Durkan was not going to meet with the group on Monday due to scheduling conflicts. Durkan did issue a proclamation, pointing out that activists began asking for Indigenous Peoples' Day as far back as 1977.

Just this year, Tacoma and Pullman adopted the day. Spokane, Yakima, and Bainbridge Island also observe it. But there were events planned across the state, from Burien to Port Angeles, Monday and throughout the week. The group Real Rent Duwamish is hosting a screening at the Duwamish Longhouse in Seattle of four films made by indigenous directors this Saturday.

The last event of the day was a dinner at the Daybreak Star Cultural Center in Discovery Park. As many as 700 were expected to attend, according to organizer Jennifer Fuentes. She said that Seattle's adoption of the day is a great step - but wants to see it recognized across the state and nation.

"We're going to continue to take to the streets," Fuentes said, "Because the state of Washington and the nation don't recognize it."

Photos by Neal McNamara/Patch