I meant to post this link to my book Marked Men on Indigenous Peoples Day since my book aims to honor Silas Soule, a soldier who defied orders and refused to let his men participate in the Sand Creek Massacre. I got distracted from posting when I discovered that here in Colorado, Columbus Day, which Indigenous Peoples Day was meant to replace, had been co-opted by yet another replacement holiday: Mother Cabrini Day.
St Frances Xavier “Mother” Cabrini
It’s good to finally deep-six the murderous slaver Columbus, and I have nothing against Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, a humanitarian who served the poor by creating a network of schools, hospitals, and orphanages, and who died in one of her own hospitals: Columbus Hospital (ironically enough) in Chicago. But I’m stumped by the long-standing resistance to Indigenous Peoples Day. It seems like a no-brainer to honor the nations our European ancestors attempted to wipe out on the day once dedicated to the initiator of that 500-year war.
But nobody asked me. So all I can do is continue to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day while others are celebrating Mother Cabrini. Or maybe we can celebrate both! So far, there’s no law against it.
Joseph Hutchison, Colorado Poet Laureate 2014-2019, has published 20 collections of poems and edited or co-edited three poetry anthologies. He currently directs two master’s-level programs for University College at the University of Denver: Professional Creative Writing and Arts & Culture Management. Joe lives with his wife, Melody Madonna, in the mountains southwest of Denver, Colorado, the city where he was born. 
364 other days they could have picked for Mother Cabrini. That tells you all you need to know.
I agree, Joe,
to celebrate Indigenous People’s Day would be best, and your good book, Marked Men, says, in strong measure, why. As for Cabrini, who may have been so good in herself,, she nevertheless bought into the evil of male hierarchy promoted, often brutally, by the Church of Rome (responsible for so much subjugation and slaughter, etc.) I would rule her out, too.
Very best,
David
I guess the thought was that they had to replace one Italian with another. We are in an election. For God’s sake, don’t piss off the Italian vote!