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"UNITED NATIVE AMERICA"
United Native America Working With Italian Americans
To Bring About The End Of Columbus Day In America
United Native America was contacted by the "Order Sons of Italy in America"
stating they support Native Americans having a national holiday. The national
Italian group OSIA wanted to know what it would take for Indians to stop
protesting their national holiday under the name of Columbus Day. Please read
United Native America response below.
UNA has been informed by the Italian group that they will draft a letter to be
sent out to their national membership asking them to consider changing Columbus
Day to Italian Heritage day. This is the first step of many to come on this
issue. The Italian community has seen the hand writing on the wall, Columbus Day
must go. It's just a matter of getting diehard Columbus lovers to let go.
Order Sons of Italy in America:
http://www.osia.org/
Letter From United Native America
Letter to:
Order Sons of Italy in America
The Native American community supports Italian Americans in the celebration of
their heritage past and present. Italian Americans have played a significant
role in the formation of the America we have today. Italian Americans have
served our country in time of need with honor and valor that is recognized
around the world.
Italian Americans are to be commended for their social and economic efforts that
have kept America strong and free. Italian Americans' service to local, state
and federal offices receives support from all Americans, as it is well deserved.
The Native American community rejects the celebration of the discovery of their
true home land by Columbus, and also, celebrating Columbus Day as a federal
holiday. No Native American Government recognizes Columbus Day as a day to
celebrate. The Native Hawaiian community fully rejects honoring Columbus Day.
Seventeen states have dropped Columbus Day as a state holiday. Some states have
even changed Columbus Day to Native American Day.
The Native American community respectfully requests that Italian Americans
consider showing honor and respect to their heritage by changing Columbus Day to
Italian Heritage Day. An Italian national holiday under the name Italian
Heritage Day would complement the full range of the Italian heritage and
history. Italian American children of today would show greater respect and
pride toward a holiday honoring them under the name of Italian Heritage Day.
Changing Columbus Day to Italian Heritage Day is only offered as a suggested new
name. The Italian American community should have the opportunity to voice their
support for this action.
The Native American community stands ready to join side by side with all Italian
Americans in the celebration of their heritage under any name other than
Columbus. The Native American community fully respects all Italians, but will
not show support for Columbus, the man, nor support his having a national
holiday in America.
Italian Americans and Native Americans should take this opportunity to open the
door to a new and better future for their communities and America.
Mike L. Graham, member Oklahoma Cherokee Nation
Founder United Native America
www.UnitedNativeAmerica.com
Email address: mikecherokee@aol.com
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