One Day, Different Meanings

The Story

It’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

*Looks at cal.* And also Columbus Day?

Yes. And here’s why. First recognized as a national holiday in 1934, Columbus Day honors Italian explorer Christopher Columbus’ so-called ‘discovery’ of the Americas. But for many Native Americans, it’s a slap in the face. That’s because Columbus’ arrival kicked off a wave of colonization — including centuries of violence, displacement, and forced assimilation. So, in recent decades, there’s been a push to change the second Monday of October to Indigenous Peoples’ Day. 

Tell me. 

The idea has been picking up steam. In 1990, South Dakota became the first state to make the switch. Since then, more than a dozen other states and over 100 cities have followed suit. Last year, President Biden became the first president to formally recognize the day — which honors the strength and contributions of Native communities and acknowledges the challenges that Indigenous people continue to face. But this shift isn’t without pushback: Some Italian Americans have defended Columbus Day as a time to celebrate their heritage, while others have proposed celebrating on another day.

And what do Native Americans say?

While some believe Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a step in the right direction (reminder, it’s not a federal holiday), others think that a symbolic gesture is not enough. Because the marginalization of Native Americans is not confined to the past. Today, an estimated 10% reportedly don’t have access to safe drinking water or basic sanitation. And the effects of climate change (think: rising sea levels, extreme heat) are making their already-diminished amount of land (think: because of forced relocation) uninhabitable. Plus, more than 4 in 5 American Indian and Alaska Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime — and many have raised the alarm about the epidemic of murdered and missing women and girls. Indigenous communities also face significant health disparities (see: higher rates of diabetes, psychological distress) when compared to other US groups, as well as a shorter life expectancy.