The University of Oregon, unlike many universities in this country, does not get a day off for Columbus Day.
In fact, the holiday is not even present on the UO’s academic calendar, much to the dismay of the ASUO’s Multicultural Center and Native American Student Union. But, if the day were present on the academic calendar as “Columbus Day,” I can’t imagine the MCC and NASU would be any more pleased.
Today, in the EMU Amphitheater, NASU and the MCC are hosting an event for “Indigenous Solidarity Day,” complete with traditional drummers, speeches, red armbands, and t-shirts with the words “RED POWER” proudly displayed in bold, bright red text. Today’s protest, led by a Native American UO student and veteran, is considerably less abrasive than years past.
During last year’s protest, the amphitheater was decked out in posters proudly proclaiming that, “Custer got what he deserved,” along with quippy phrases, such as, “Columbus: America’s First Terrorist.” NASU also set up a table with a sign that said, “Native American Travel Agency,” and handed out one-way tickets to non-Native students back to “where they came from.” (The bottom of the ticket said, “Price: Free, just leave.”)
For those not in the know, the University of Oregon is home to the Many Nations Longhouse. Built in the 1960s, its website boasts that it is “the longest standing off-reservation public longhouse in the state of Oregon.” Used by many different tribal organizations, the Longhouse causes the UO to be a beacon for Native American activism and tribal ceremonies all over the state of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
I am pleased to say that this year’s Indigenous Solidarity Day event does not make me feel alienated as a non-Native UO student. I certainly find it easier to be an ally when I am not being ostracized for the color of my skin or the different uniqueness of my heritage.
Lyzi Diamond is the managing editor of the Oregon Commentator. She is a member of the Student Free Press Association.
Like The College Fix on Facebook / Follow us on Twitter
Please join the conversation about our stories on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, MeWe, Rumble, Gab, Minds and Gettr.