The Story of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day October 4, 2023

Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day represent two perspectives on the history of the Americas.

Columbus Day, which is celebrated on the second Monday of October, commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on October 12, 1492. Columbus Day became a federal holiday in 1937. Since Columbus was an Italian explorer, the holiday has traditionally been celebrated as a way to honor Italian-American heritage and to recognize the historical significance of Columbus’s journey. His voyage is often seen as the beginning of sustained contact between Europe and the Americas during the Age of Exploration. However, over time, the holiday increased discussion about the negative impacts of European colonization on Indigenous populations in the Americas. As a result, there has been a growing movement to adapt the holiday to also acknowledge and honor the history and contributions of Indigenous peoples.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day focuses on the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples in the Americas and it was officially observed for the first time on October 11, 1992. It seeks to acknowledge and honor the diverse Indigenous cultures that existed before Columbus’s arrival and to raise awareness about the historical injustices and atrocities inflicted upon Indigenous communities during and after European colonization. This holiday is seen as an opportunity to acknowledge the resilience and enduring cultures of Indigenous peoples. It is also intended to promote a more inclusive and accurate understanding of American history.

The choice between the two holidays often reflects local attitudes, values, and historical perspectives and many cities continue to observe both holidays.