EG Student Group Questioning Columbus Day Hosts "Indigenous Peoples' Night"

Tonight, a group of students at East Greenwich High School will host “indigenous Peoples’ Night” at the Swift Gym in an effort to shed light on the lives of Native Americans and the history of Christopher Columbus.

It’s more than a history lesson — the student led group, Civic Action EGHS, is hosting the event as part of their campaign to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day in East Greenwich.

The group circulated a local petition that states “While it is imperative to recognize the contribution of those who came before us, we feel it is disturbing to celebrate a holiday in honor of an individual who never set foot on mainland America and initiated the systematic destruction of indigenous people. Through this change, we recognize the importance of marginalized Native Americans in modern society. We hope this small, yet thoughtful, measure will begin a process of awareness and reconciliation.”

At tonight’s event, attendees will get a chance to hear from Loren Spears, an educator, historian, essayist, artist and two-term Tribal Councilwoman from the Narragansett Indian Tribe.

She will present on behalf of the Native American community and paint a picture of the past, present and future of Native Americans.

There will also be two speeches by the president and vice president of Civic Action EGHS followed by a 30-minute open forum at the end of the night to spark a community discussion.

A Facebook event for the forum has been created.