Syracuse Embraces Indigenous Peoples’ Day Amid Controversy Indigenous Peoples' Day Sparks Local Controversy

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — The Skä•noñh Great Law of Peace Center on Onondaga Lake has worked hard to educate the Central New York community on the past and current struggles of indigenous people. It received more attention this past week due to the celebrations of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

The heritage center has operated as a hub for information on the history of the Haudenosaunee people, or the confederacy that encompasses the six Indigenous nations of Central New York, for many years. Tours are offered at the center, oftentimes to local Syracuse schools. Although this past includes joyful celebrations of beading and traditional foods, it also includes painful memories of explorer Christopher Columbus. 

Controversy began over a year ago over the Columbus statue in downtown Syracuse with many residents split on whether or not it should be kept up. Members of the Indigenous community have stated that the grotesque violence Columbus committed upon the natives is reason enough to strike the statue. 

Many Italian-Americans in Syracuse disagree as they view the statue as positive representation for their community. Both sides were present at a protest at the site of the statue on Monday.  

Alycia Cypress, 19, a member of the Florida Seminole tribe, said that she wants the Columbus statue in downtown Syracuse to come down, but understands where the Italian-American community is coming from.

“Yes I understand you want your representation, because that’s exactly what we want. But at the end of the day, we can all do better to fix this as a group,” Cypress said.

America made steps towards this progress during this year’s celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

On Friday, President Joe Biden became the first U.S. president to publicly acknowledge Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized that the only way to move to a more inclusive future is to recognize the nation’s past. 

“We must not shy away from this shameful past, and we must shed light on it and do everything we can to address the impact of the past on Native communities today,” Harris said. 

Biden and Harris pledged White House support for several new programs designed to help Indigenous tribes with unemployment and infrastructure issues.

The national buzz meant that more eyes were on the Indigenous community. Cypress said that she is excited more people were asking about her culture this year, but wants non-Indigenous people to realize that natives are not here simply to educate others. 

She said, “The biggest thing is to educate yourself. Yes, you can ask questions…but it also comes down to whatever questions you may have, not every native is going to know. Doing your research is crucial and massive to your own learning of this community.”