RECLAIM COLUMBUS DAY PROTEST

University of Southern Maine

Greetings Friends and Colleagues,

My name is Bethany Tremblay and I am a Social Work intern in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs at the University of Southern Maine.

I am a Maliseet woman protesting Columbus Day with a peaceful march for the truth about Christopher Columbus discovery. Our goal is to remove this holiday and in its place celebrate America's Indigenous Peoples just as South Dakota and Louisiana have done. Canada has a holiday to honor their Indigenous People. It's time the United States recognizes and includes the significant contributions Native Americans have made to this country.

This event will begin on Monday, October 8, 2007 starting with a lively discussion on the Eagle Quetzal Condor show with Host Robert Mendoza on WMPG community radio 90.9/104.1 FM from 10:30 to noon.

Opening Ceremonies will begin on the Portland campus lawn at 1:00 and end with a peaceful walk to Deering Oaks. Follow the Drum Beat to the Portland campus and join us, our Elders, and guest speakers for a truly educational experience.

We will be organizing a group at the protest to propose a bill to the legislature in Maine to remove Columbus Day. The bill will be presented by Donna Loring the Tribal Representative of Maine.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to e-mail at Bethany Tremblay or phone me at 780-4730.

Contents

October 2007 Reports

Last updated on October 2, 2007

Woliwon (Thank You) Sincerely, Bethany Tremblay