Reclaim Columbus Day

-Banner at Columbus Monument-

The Reclaim Columbus Day Event took place on Monday 9th of October 2006. This public intervention involved the seizing of Columbus Square on Columbus Day for the purpose of celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ resistance. A 24ft banner was placed across one side of the square that read “Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Resistance.” Stalks of corn were placed around the perimeter of the Columbus monument to honor of the original name of Troy (Pa-an Pa-ak, field of standing corn). The Columbus monument, located in the center of the square, is shaped to resemble a boat. A flag was hung of one end of the monument depicting the Mohican Many Trails symbol. This symbol stands in remembrance of the forced removal of the Mohicans from this land and the many trails they had to travel and endure before they arrived at would become their new home in Wisconsin. Informational posters on both the Mohicans and a counter narrative to Columbus hung along opposite sides of the monument. A brochure, which included the information on the posters, was also available for people to take home with them. The event was also catered and had a DJ. This intervention was meant to create an event that contested the traditional narrative of Columbus and brought to the forefront the history of the First People of this land.

-A small crowd gathers-

-Pa-an Pa-ak,"Field of standing corn," was what the Mohicans called this land-