There is a native recording I am reminded of, regarding an Easter celebration in the New World that involved the crucifixion of the 12 (number of Apostles) most perfect American Indians available. This was at the request of the ships’ chaplain, and sanctioned (with reservation) by the fleet commander, Captain General Christopho Columbo.

This little tidbit came to light a few years ago here in the Columbus area when the mayor asked that a local Native American community participate in the christening of an attraction in the downtown area. A functioning, full-size replica of the Santa Maria, docked here on the Scioto River since. Upon learning the above, the community's rejection to the invitation was graciously, solemnly, though quietly, accepted. This did not, however, stop the demonstrations:

Controversy:
The ship caused a stir when it was brought in for the 500-year anniversary of Columbus' 1492 expedition. You can count on a Native American protest at the ship every Columbus Day, although none as dramatic as the one in 1992, when demonstrators attempted to storm the ship as schoolchildren onboard chanted, "In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue . . . " Michael Moore of "The Awful Truth" once filmed a segment here on "immigration."
(Source: Columbus Citysearch)

At the time of Columbus’ voyages, anyone not European was basically less than human, and any European not of social/political stature was a bothersome peasant. ...And any newly discovered primitive race of human was on a level with cattle.

While he wasn't exactly the most sympathetic of guests, the main thing to recall is that the Native American population on Hispaniola (Cuba) was destroyed over the course of many years -- with some stating a full century, and others less -- and that the Spanish were primarily responsible for their demise. The remainder of the Native American tragedy can be attributed to the Spanish, followed by England, Germany, and eventually the new Americans.

You can be well assured that Columbus was not the most perfect of people by any means, but he was NOT a genocidal maniac. I gave you a slice of history, but the destruction of these peoples is an historical tragedy, one with complexities that go far beyond any simple posting of mine.

Here in Columbus, we’re only as naïve as everybody else,
Dan