Today, NASW-CA commemorates October 9 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This day is a time to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native American people in the United States. It is also a time to acknowledge and reflect the oppression, colonialism, and violence against Indigenous communities, and its lasting effects that are still prevalent to this day. While we are reminded of these long-term impacts and harms, we are proud to honor the numerous Indigenous cultures, languages, and customs that are still alive due to the resilience and self-determination of Indigenous peoples.
NASW-CA supports the rights of Indigenous peoples in their efforts to combat health and class disparities these communities are disproportionately affected by. We will continue to advocate for legislation that protects and preserves Indigenous land and culture, uplift Indigenous voices and lived experiences, and promote social work practices that sustains the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health of Indigenous communities.
