In 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue. In 2004, students from Native American studies say that's no reason for celebration.
American-Indian students protested Columbus Day on Monday with a rally in the SUB, saying the day should instead be called Indigenous Peoples' Day.
Rebekah Horse Chief, one of the organizers of the event, read a declaration stating Columbus began a sordid tale of assimilation, acculturation, genocide and maiming of an indigenous population when he landed on the shores of Cuba.
"Columbus is not a hero, nor did he discover anything," she said.
Millions of indigenous people have been slaughtered in the name of westward movement, manifest destiny and the doctrine of discovery, she said.
The event was held to testify that indigenous people are still being oppressed.
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She said this happens through education, health care and history.
Freshman Adam Roybal said he didn't understand why American-Indian students would protest the day. He said it honors how America was founded.
"We give them their respect for their holidays and their land," he said. "Why shouldn't they respect Columbus Day?"
Roxanne Olguin, event participant, said it was more about awareness and making the Native community known.
"We are not celebrating Columbus Day," she said. "We're celebrating indigenous people and our survival."
She said the idea of having a rally began in a Native American studies class where students sought an alternative to Columbus Day, creating an event of their own.
At the end of her speech, Horse Chief asked audience members to stand up and be counted because they have culture and have survived.
The declaration lasted about 15 minutes before audience members browsed the display.
Three frames displayed toys in American Indian garb. Next to the toys were photos of historical American Indian figures.
Olguin said the toys depict American Indians as something to make money off of.
"We're hoping students will become more aware and sensitive of Native issues," Olguin said. "We're not mascots. We're not toys. We're people."
The rally was followed by a reception held at the Native American studies office.
Horse Chief said Columbus Day falls alongside a resurgence of American-Indian activism in conjunction with voter campaigns, but the event was nonpartisan.
She said Columbus Day is for uneducated people who celebrate hatred, misunderstanding, lack of communication and ignorance.
Junior Sarah Guggino said celebrating the event has never crossed her mind.
"While I may not pay attention to it, I realize it means a lot to other people," she said.
