In South Dakota, Columbus Day is Native American Day

Friday, the Sioux Falls (SD) Argus Leader's Nestor Ramos had a thoughtful opinion piece about the now nearly twenty year legacy of South Dakota's switch from Columbus Day to Native American Day.

An excerpt:

But the Big Idea appeared to die with Mickelson. Ten years after the Year of Reconciliation, a different South Dakota governor, Bill Janklow, dismissed as "garbage" a federal report that shined a light on serious racial tensions simmering throughout South Dakota.

Any gains we'd made, it seemed, were fleeting.

But there is one measurable remnant of the Year of Reconciliation - one indication that those efforts in 1990 weren't for naught. South Dakota still is the only state in the nation to replace Columbus Day* with a day honoring Native American history and culture. We observe that day Monday.

Twenty years ago, I was there at the creation, covering Governor George Mickelson and the state legislature for SD Public TV. I also co-hosted our TV coverage the first official celebration at Crazy Horse Mountain.

Gov. Mickelson felt very strongly after the Centennial that the state needed to do something about the still bad relations between the state and native peoples. George was a devout Methodist and looked at people as people. Though his own privileged background as the son of former governor and federal judge was not the best preparation for dealing with the complex issues and emotions of race and poverty, he threw himself into talking to Native Americans about what he and the state could do. The Year then Century of Reconciliation was one accomplishment. The other was changing Columbus Day to Native American Day.

Even though no other states have followed South Dakota's lead (come on, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arizona, Montana, North Dakota!), for once, South Dakota did the right thing by reaching across years of hatred, mistrust, and bigotry. Mickelson didn't do this for any political gain. Many in his own Republican party criticized him. But Gov. Mickelson was sincere and open minded-a good Methodist, if you will.

Because of George's courage, faith, and sense of fair play, he illuminated a small beacon of hope and justice in our state. This is much work yet to be done to repair the years of problems. But because of brave men and women like Gov. Mickelson, Tim Giago, Lynn Sota Hart and many others from both the white and Native American worlds, our state is a little less racist and a little more understanding.

This little light of mine
I'm going to let it shine.

On this Native American Day, we should be proud and thankful that South Dakota has helped to lead the way in trying to recognize and heal our racial divisions.

*California also recognizes Native American Day but did not replace Columbus Day. According to Wikipedia, California celebrates NA Day on the fourth Friday in September. Another Republican Governor, Ronald Reagan, signed that resolution into law in 1968.