Today is Columbus Day, but in a number of states and the cities around the country, the second Monday in October is also recognized as indigenous peoples Day.

It's a calendar of celebration, recognizing the resilience and contributions of Native Americans and law of war.

The celebration started over the weekend with an event featuring performers, storytellers and speakers from the Indigenous community.

I think Indigenous Peoples Day today in all ways is sort of a multifaceted event.

On the one hand it's, you know, we try to balance the discussion between European colonization and the European side of history to also include Native American history and culture and the great contributions of Native Americans to this country.

And then on the other hand, it's a celebration.

I believe it is just so important to have a complete story, a complete story of our of indigenous history and know the contemporary issues that affect Native Americans.

We need stories of resilience, not just for pain.

I started my story with shedding light on the great granddaughter and granddaughter of residential school survivors.

I only stand before you today because they survived a loss of language, loss of culture, loss of community, loss of family.

The residential schools should avoid the South.

I think U.S.

Interior Secretary Taylor, who herself is indigenous.

She says, I know that this process will be painful.

It won't undo the heartbreak and loss that we feel, but only by acknowledging the past and work toward a future that we're all proud to embrace.

We have to teach our kids to fight for our sovereignty from a young age so they carry on never again mentality.

Why the resiliency?

I learned I used to fight for what I believe is right, right here in Kentucky where I've made my home the last 15 years.

That's I said the federal recognition of indigenous people.

So it's just so important.

They are a national holiday that celebrates native American history and culture is just is long overdue.

Congress needs to take a look at the fact that Kentucky is one of the most staunchly conservative states in the country.

Yet we were in the forefront for enthusiastic support for recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day.

The governor has signed four statewide proclamations since 2020.

The Kentucky legislature, which is, you know, ultra conservative, has passed two resolutions which permanently recognize indigenous people, stay in the state of Kentucky.

So I can't think of any other messages that that concerned a, you know, more powerful message to Washington that we need to take a look at federal recognition of indigenous people.

We need a national holiday.