Nationwide, on the second Monday of October, Columbus Day is celebrated.
The day brings forth history lessons about Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the Americas.
However, many feel that Columbus Day should not be celebrated.
Instead, some people say, the day should be changed to bring recognition to the indigenous peoples who lived here long before Columbus set sail across the Atlantic.
From 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, the Pub, located in the University Student Union, will be holding an “Anti-Columbus Day Comedy Event” to aid in that effort.
The event, sponsored by the American Indian Student Association, raises awareness of the process of decolonization through a comedy show.
“How did he [Columbus] discover the Americas when there were already people here?” asked Pauline Alvarez, a CSUN senior sociology major also minoring in American Indian Studies. “What was for him to discover?”
Alvarez is a member of AISA’s council. The member of the council, she says, do not hold hierarchical positions because, “that is not how traditional native societies operate.”
“AISA’s goal is to bring awareness to a large crowd,” said Pauline Alvarez, CSUN senior sociology major also minoring in American Indian Studies.
Many people have not been informed on the actual history of this topic, Alvarez said. She believes if people do not know where they came from as a nation, how are they going to have respect for the native people?
“Not everyone knows about indigenous cultures and indigeneity in general,” she stated.
The free event is looking to bring in a large crowd relaying information while having fun.
Local comedian Jim Ruel will perform, along with many other comedians who will showcase their talents at the expense of their roots.
“Unfortunately, we were unable to have our event on Columbus Day due to ‘Monday Night Football’,” Alvarez said. “Talk about colonization.”