Greetings Potential Supporters,  

During the months of October and November students across the nation will learn not only about the celebrated explorer Christopher Columbus, but the first Thanksgiving and the helpful Natives as well. Perpetuating these fairy tales can severely skew ones’ perspective on indigenous people and culture. Sadly, for the vast majority of primary and secondary students this may be their only instruction they receive on the subject and it’s colonial- based frame of reference. Alysa Landry is a professional journalist based in “The Four Corners”. Landry’s publications are primarily about the Navajo nation and the culture as a whole. My inspiration for this petition came from an article written by Alysa titled   'All Indians Are Dead?' At Least That’s What Most Schools Teach Children. In it she states "a staggering 87 percent of references to American Indians in all 50 states’ academic standards portray them in a pre-1900 context." (Laundry,2014) But we still exist and are human. 

    Looking at this through a sociological outlook there are various ways socializing agents (Family, Peers, School, and Media) may contribute to institutionalized systems of social and racial inequality. For example, families are the primary unit of socialization however schools reinforce home teachings. The main function of socializing agents is to shape an individual's self-concept, values, and behavior. My goal isn’t to ridicule any educators or learning institutions, but to have an impact on the system by revising one spoke in the wheel. My hope and the hope of the undersign is to stop the degradation of indigenous people through education. By providing the knowledge that we exist out of the pre-1900’s context. If one is talked about as if they are the past, they're less likely to be treated with value in the present or future. I am indigenous, which means I am one of 2.3 million people in the United States. Since colonization first began Indigenous people were dehumanized and as time continues on Natives are still experiencing the same mistreatment. Many do not know that indigenous women are 2.5 times more likely to experience sexual assault.  

  I propose that the month of November becomes Indigenous citizens’ appreciation month in Monroe County Schools.  I believe that we need to educate students on Native American culture, colonization, and how the indigenous community is fighting back. If we act now then it is never too late for families and peers to have a conversation, or for the media to catch wind and be inspired to report on Native crimes. Change starts with you, so let’s work together. Through education we can end social and racial inequality. Thank you!