| Also called | First People’s Day, National Indigenous Peoples Day, Indian Day (Brazil), or Native American Day |
|---|---|
| Observed by | Various states and municipalities in the Americas on Columbus Day. |
| Type | Ethnic |
| Significance | A day in honor of Native Indigenous Americans on Columbus Day. |
| Date | Varies |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First time | October 12, 1992 |
| Related to | National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada |
The NDP began in 1952 when it was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. It was amended unanimously by Congress in 1988 and signed by President Ronald Reagan. That Amendment designated the first Thursday of May as the official day of observance. It has been approved by every President since.
Based upon the language used to announce the day as well as a designated Scripture reference from the Gospels of the New Testament it appears to be a Christian day of prayer even though there are many other religious beliefs in the US. It is my personal opinion that if we truly want “peace and unity” for America the NDP should include all faith traditions.
On May 3, I attended a National Day of Prayer in Louisville, KY. My experience was one of peace and unity. Those who spoke represented the Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish, Native American and Bahai faiths.
The NDP for 2019 is May 2. In Kentucky keep in touch with the Interfaith Paths to Peace https://paths2peace.org for information about where there will be a celebration of America’s diverse faiths as we pray together for our nation. I am sure there are similar plans in most American cities.
“If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.” John F. Kennedy
Crooked Creek by Sue Mattingly 