Sorry, but “Indigenous People’s Day” is just too long to put in the title. However, this weekend locals can acknowledge the legacy of Christopher Columbus whichever way they want.
Federal Hill Columbus Day Celebration: It hardly needs saying that the Atwells Avenue area is to be scrupulously avoided this weekend, unless you actually want to be there. Food, music, rides, and a parade.
Saturday, noon — Opening ceremony
Sunday, October 8, 11am — Columbus Day Parade
Indigenous People’s Day: Sponsored by The Columbus Theatre and the Tomaquag Museum.
Sunday, 1pm to 6pm, $20
Indigenous artist market/movie screening of “Awake: A Dream from Standing Rock” with audience discussion/Indigenous panel discussions/Musical artists tba
An excellent way into the life of Christopher Columbus and the impact of his voyages can be had in Tony Horwitz’s “A Voyage Long and Strange.”
The well of Columbian myths and countermyths is now so deep that one can extract from it any number of contradictory figures: devout Christian and closet Jew, medieval spiritualist and modern empiricist, Italian hero and imperialist villain. About the only thing on which most sources agree is that Columbus transformed the world with his sail in 1492.
Seen here is a carved cigar store Indian from “Thawing the Frozen Indian: American Indian Museum Representation” a 2012 exhibit at the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology at Brown University. In the background, the statue of Columbus on Elmwood Avenue.