Many of us in years past remember this day as a day off from work or school. While it’s still a Federal Holiday (so banks, post offices and the stock market will be closed), only 16 of the 50 states still celebrate this holiday. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the history of Columbus Day and how it has transitioned through the years.

Columbus Day has been celebrated in the United States since the late 18th century, with the first official observance taking place on October 12, 1792, marking the 300th anniversary of Columbus's landing in the Americas. In 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt officially declared Columbus Day a national holiday, which became an occasion for celebrating Italian-American heritage[

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While traditionally credited with "discovering" America, Columbus never actually set foot on what is now the continental United States. His arrival in the Bahamas on October 12, 1492, marked the beginning of European colonization in the Americas.

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The Rise of Indigenous Peoples' Day

The idea of Indigenous Peoples' Day was suggested in 1977 during a United Nations conference on discrimination. Since then it has gained nationwide momentum as a day dedicated to honoring Native American peoples, their histories, and cultures.

South Dakota was the first state to officially recognize Native Americans' Day in 1990, and since then, the movement has gained significant momentum. As of 2023, more than a dozen states and over 130 cities have chosen to celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day, and the number grows every year.

Impact on Education and Society

The shift to Indigenous Peoples' Day offers an opportunity for educators to rethink how they teach about Columbus and the impact of European colonization on Native American communities. It encourages a more balanced representation of history, acknowledging both the contributions and the struggles of Indigenous peoples.

By celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day, communities recognize that colonization still exists and continues to affect Indigenous people around the world.

Resistance TO CHANGE

The transition from Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s Day has had it’s share of controversy. Some communities, especially those with strong Italian-American heritage, have resisted the change. The European Colonization was a clash of cultures — each with it’s own unique contributions to American society. In some cases, communities have chosen to compromise by celebrating both holidays, or removing the names, while others refuse to celebrate the day at all.

The transition from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day represents a significant shift in how we, as a nation, view our history as well as how we can honor the diverse cultures that have shaped us through our shared heritage.