Stories of Resistance: Indigenous Peoples' Day
In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we reflect on stories of Indigenous resistance and organizing across South America.
Originally known as Columbus Day, this holiday was meant to celebrate Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, who is often credited with "discovering" America. However,
America was there long before Columbus came, with an estimated 60-90 million people inhabiting the continent.
Despite being devastated by disease and successive wars with European invaders, which
wiped out roughly 90% of Indigenous peoples in the Western Hemisphere, Indigenous populations continue to resist to this day.
Author's summary: Reflecting on Indigenous resistance in South America.
- Estimated 60-90 million people inhabited the Americas before Columbus
- 90% of Indigenous peoples in the Western Hemisphere were wiped out by disease and war
- Indigenous populations continue to resist to this day