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Columbus Day is a time when many Americans can take a break from school or work in honor of the famous explorer. But for Native Americans, the day signifies the start of an ongoing struggle for their rights.

Today kicks off a week-long series of events called "Indigenous American Genocide -- Continued Resistance" sponsored by the Native American Student Union, MEChA, the ASUO and the Multicultural Center. Its purpose is to educate and inform people of the Native American struggle and protest against Columbus Day, Annelia Norris, CO-director of NASU said.

"People forget issues that affect indigenous people of this country," she said. Christopher Columbus "wasn't a good man, and we want to further people's education about what his legacy has left."

This week's events include a speak-out in the EMU Amphitheater, a candlelight vigil and NASU members petitioning against Columbus Day's status as a national holiday. Cultural activities will end the week's events in celebration, Norris said.

Sociology Professor Charles Hunt's lecture on Columbus is also included in this week's events. In it, he speaks on how Columbus really treated Native Americans.

Contrary to how he has been portrayed in schools, Columbus was not a hero, according to Hunt. He believes Columbus should be taught as an important man, but the way he affected the Native Americans should be told as well.

"He is important because he begins modern globalization, which is still going on today," he said.

Columbus exterminated between 100,000 and 500,000 Native Americans, Hunt said. Columbus cut off their hands, burned them alive, worked them to death and set dogs on them, he said.

"He killed a lot of people," Hunt said. "The man committed genocide."

Hunt compared Columbus to Hitler, saying that celebrating a holiday in his name is the same as celebrating Hitler's birthday.

Columbus "is not a great American," he said. "In my opinion, we should celebrate indigenous people day, and to hell with Columbus Day."

NASU member Hector Cash-Bolanos said Columbus has been portrayed in a positive light because the history books were written by white people, and the Native American's viewpoint has not been represented.

"People have to understand and respect the other reality," he said.

Norris said most people know Columbus wasn't a good man, but it is still important to educate on native issues because people are naive to the native struggle.

"We want to put our voice out there and let people know we are still here and struggling for our sovereign rights," she said.

NASU member Bryan Hudson agrees.

"It is time for people to understand the ethics on which this country is based," he said.

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Anna Seeley is a student activities reporter for the Oregon Daily Emerald. She can be reached at annaseeley@dailyemerald.com.

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