SANTEE - Most people may recognize October 12th as Columbus Day, but the day holds an entirely different meaning for the people of the Santee Sioux Nation.

On Monday, a Native Day Celebration took place in Santee, which included a socially-distanced parade, traditional native dances, and native hand games played by the tribal youth. The day allowed the Santee people to reflect on their history, and appreciate how far the tribe has come.

"Anybody aware of history knows when the Europeans came to this continent the move was to civilize our people," said Thelma Thomas, General Manager of Ohiya Casino. "The United States and missionaries moved to Christianize our people, and so their language and customs were forbidden."

"We are acknowledging all of who we are today with our language, with our prayers, and with our prayer and social songs," Thomas said. "We are also acknowledging all of our youth on this reservation, as well as the ancestors of this continent."

The celebration came amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and while Thomas says it has been a tough time for the people of Santee, she's happy that the nation's leaders have helped to keep the community safe.

"We do have a COVID-19 task force, and they've done all they can to keep the people safe," Thomas said. "Everyone here is aware of social distancing and masks, and I believe as of right now there are no positive COVID tests on this reservation."