The United States is preparing to celebrate two and a half centuries since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

But although Indigenous people are a central part of America's origin story, they are often left out of the narrative.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with three Indigenous storytellers and scholars to talk about that history and how our country's past informs the present.

Guests:

• Stanley Rodriguez, member of the Santa Ysabel Band of the Iipay Nation; past president of Kumeyaay Community College
• Ethan Banegas, member of the Barona Band of Mission Indians; professor of American Indian Studies at San Diego State University
• Terria Smith, member of the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians; editor of News from Native California magazine