What Is Indigenous Peoples' Day? Should It Replace Columbus Day?

On Indigenous Peoples' Day, we honor and appreciate the contributions of Native Americans throughout U.S. history while also recognizing the ongoing impact of colonialism.

History of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day

• Columbus Day marks the official anniversary of Italian-born explorer Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas on Oct. 12, 1492, following a 10-week voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, where he discovered the "New World."
• In the 1880s, Italian immigrants arrived in the U.S. in search of better opportunities, yet encountered discrimination and bigotry. In 1892, President Benjamin Harrison introduced a nationwide celebration known as "Discovery Day" to commemorate Columbus' 400th anniversary arrival. This was not only to honor him as a symbol of progress and enlightenment but also to extend recognition and make amends for the contributions of Italian Americans.
• The celebration of European exploration remains a topic of debate, with some applauding Columbus' achievements and others condemning him for his mistreatment of Native Americans. For Indigenous Americans, Columbus' arrival marked the beginning of their land's invasion, resulting in the loss of an estimated 95% of their population. Columbus and his fellow European colonizers were also responsible for abducting, enslaving, and abusing Native Americans.

Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples' Day?

• Since 1937, Columbus Day has been a federal holiday to remember Columbus' arrival in the Americas. However, during the 2010s, an alternative to Columbus Day, known as Indigenous Peoples' Day or Native American Day, gained prominence. This led to the renaming of the holiday in various cities and states. In a notable development, in 2020, even Columbus, Ohio, the largest city bearing Christopher Columbus's name, officially designated the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples' Day.
• In 2021, President Joe Biden announced the first national Indigenous Peoples' Day to honor "our diverse history and the Indigenous peoples who contribute to shaping this Nation." 

How to honor Indigenous Peoples' History 

• Acknowledge the land you're on: Learn about which Indigenous lands your home or workplace is on using Native-Land.ca.
• Explore an Indigenous history and culture museum: Click here to explore museums celebrating Native American history and culture, past and present.
• Support Indigenous causes: Some great nonprofits to donate to include the Native American Rights Fund, American Indian College Fund, Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women, and Seeding Sovereignty.
• Educate yourself and your loved ones: Vision Maker Media offers a list of educational films covering various Indigenous topics, including the legacy of Columbus Day.

-Laura Woods

Do you support renaming federal holidays or celebrations?

(Image credit: iStock/ Grand River)