Columbus Day Musings

As mentioned previously on these pages, I am a fan of the Columbus Day story.  It may be a myth, but it is a feel good myth that makes those of us with Western European roots proud to have discovered India. 

Since the progressive left has taken over the Liberal agenda, there is a lot of talk about the contributions of Indigenous People (i.e. Native Americans).  In the interests of balance I consulted my AI bot and was surprised to learn that there actually are some contributions worth mentioning.

Here's what ChatGPT thinks:

Contributions of Indigenous Peoples to the United States

1. Agriculture & Food

• Introduced key crops: corn, beans, squash, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, peanuts, and sunflowers.

• Developed the “Three Sisters” farming method (corn, beans, squash together).

• Pioneered food preservation (drying, smoking) and maple syrup making.

• Shared extensive knowledge of edible and medicinal plants.

2. Government & Democracy

• The Iroquois Confederacy (Haudenosaunee) influenced the U.S. Constitution.

• Concepts of federalism, representative councils, and checks and balances drew from the Great Law of Peace.

• Early examples of women’s leadership in governance (clan mothers).

3. Environmental Stewardship

• Practiced sustainable land management: controlled burns, rotational harvesting, respect for natural cycles.

• Deep ecological knowledge now central to modern conservation and climate science.

• Spiritual connection to land and water shapes today’s environmental movements.

4. Technology & Engineering

• Innovated canoes, kayaks, snowshoes, and toboggans for travel.

• Designed climate-adapted homes: pueblos, longhouses, and tipis.

• Used natural materials for tools, medicine, and textiles.

5. Language & Culture

• Thousands of U.S. place names come from Indigenous languages (e.g., Massachusetts, Chicago, Ohio).

• Contributed English words like canoe, moose, chipmunk, hurricane.

• Rich storytelling, music, and visual arts continue to influence American culture.

6. Medicine & Health

• Herbal remedies: willow bark (aspirin), echinacea, tobacco, and hundreds more.

• Holistic healing traditions emphasize balance among body, spirit, and community.

7. Law, Rights & Social Justice

• Indigenous activism advanced civil rights and environmental protection (e.g., Standing Rock, AIM).

• Ongoing leadership in tribal sovereignty and treaty rights law.

8. Art, Design & Aesthetics

• Influenced U.S. art, fashion, and architecture through weaving, pottery, beadwork, and carving.