Columbus Day, once widely celebrated across the United States, is now at the center of a contentious debate about its relevance in contemporary society. For many Americans, especially Indigenous peoples, Columbus Day has become a symbol of colonialism, oppression, and the destruction of Native cultures. In recent years, a growing movement to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day has gained momentum, reflecting a shift in public consciousness about the legacy of Christopher Columbus and the impact of European colonization on Native American communities.
This article explores the history of Columbus Day, its evolution into Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and what this change signifies for the country’s collective understanding of its history and values.
The Origins of Columbus Day
Commemorating Columbus’ “Discovery” of America
Columbus Day traces its roots to the late 19th century, when Italian-American communities began celebrating the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. For many Italian immigrants, Columbus symbolized pride in their heritage and a validation of their contributions to American society. In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt officially designated Columbus Day a national holiday, further cementing its place in the American calendar.
For much of the 20th century, Columbus Day was celebrated with parades, speeches, and ceremonies honoring the explorer’s achievements. It was a day to commemorate Columbus as a heroic figure who “discovered” the New World, marking the beginning of European settlement in the Americas.
However, this narrative largely ignored the perspectives of Indigenous peoples who were already living in the Americas long before Columbus’ arrival. The “discovery” of America, from the viewpoint of Native Americans, marked the beginning of centuries of displacement, violence, and cultural erasure.
A Growing Backlash Against Columbus Day
Challenging the Myth of Columbus as a Hero
By the latter half of the 20th century, the dominant narrative surrounding Columbus began to be challenged. Indigenous activists, scholars, and allies called attention to the darker side of Columbus’ legacy, highlighting the brutality of his actions and the devastating impact of European colonization on Native populations.
Columbus’ arrival in the Caribbean unleashed a wave of violence, enslavement, and disease that decimated Indigenous peoples. Historical records show that Columbus and his men enslaved Native inhabitants, forced them into labor, and committed acts of violence, including rape and murder. The introduction of European diseases to which Native populations had no immunity further accelerated the decline of Indigenous peoples.
For Native Americans and their allies, celebrating Columbus as a heroic figure perpetuated a false narrative that glorified colonialism and erased the suffering of Indigenous peoples. As awareness of this history grew, so too did calls to reevaluate Columbus Day and its place in American culture.
The Rise of Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Reclaiming History and Honoring Indigenous Cultures
In response to the growing criticism of Columbus Day, many states, cities, and communities across the United States began to adopt Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an alternative holiday. Indigenous Peoples’ Day seeks to honor the history, cultures, and contributions of Native Americans while acknowledging the injustices they have endured since European colonization.
The first official celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day took place in 1992 in Berkeley, California, coinciding with the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival. Since then, the movement has spread across the country, with numerous states, including South Dakota, New Mexico, Maine, and Vermont, officially recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day in place of or alongside Columbus Day.
The shift toward Indigenous Peoples’ Day represents a broader effort to confront the uncomfortable truths of American history and to provide a platform for Indigenous voices that have long been marginalized. It is a day to celebrate the resilience of Native peoples, to educate the public about their cultures and histories, and to advocate for justice and reconciliation.
Is Columbus Day Still Celebrated?
A Divided Nation: The Coexistence of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Despite the growing adoption of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Columbus Day is still observed as a federal holiday in many parts of the United States. This has led to a divided national landscape, with some states and communities celebrating Columbus Day, others observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and some recognizing both holidays simultaneously.
In states such as Alabama, Arizona, and Colorado, both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day are observed, reflecting the ongoing debate about how to reconcile these two competing narratives of American history. Meanwhile, in states like Florida, Kentucky, and New Hampshire, Columbus Day remains the primary holiday, with little to no official recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
The persistence of Columbus Day in certain regions of the country can be attributed to a combination of factors, including tradition, resistance to change, and the influence of Italian-American organizations that continue to celebrate Columbus as a symbol of Italian heritage. For many Italian-Americans, the holiday remains an important cultural event, and they argue that it should not be erased or replaced.
However, the increasing recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day reflects a broader societal shift toward acknowledging the historical wrongs committed against Native Americans and promoting a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of American history.
What Does This Shift Mean for Native Americans?
Reclaiming Our History and Identity
For Native Americans, the shift from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day represents a long-overdue recognition of our history and contributions. It is an opportunity to reclaim our identity and to challenge the dominant narrative that has often excluded or misrepresented us.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day provides a platform for Native communities to celebrate our cultures, languages, and traditions while also drawing attention to the ongoing struggles we face. Issues such as land rights, environmental justice, healthcare disparities, and the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) are brought to the forefront on this day, reminding the nation that the fight for justice for Native peoples is far from over.
At the same time, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a day of pride and resilience. It is a day to honor our ancestors who endured the trauma of colonization and to celebrate the strength of our communities in the face of adversity. It is a day to educate others about the richness and diversity of Native cultures and to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions that persist about Indigenous peoples.
The Future of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day
A Path Toward Reconciliation and Healing
As the debate over Columbus Day continues, it is clear that the future of the holiday is uncertain. The growing momentum behind Indigenous Peoples’ Day suggests that more states and communities will likely make the switch in the coming years. However, Columbus Day is unlikely to disappear entirely, as it remains deeply embedded in certain cultural and regional traditions.
The coexistence of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day reflects the complexities of American identity and history. It is possible that both holidays will continue to be observed in different parts of the country, with each reflecting different aspects of America’s past and present.
Ultimately, the shift from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not just about changing a holiday; it is about reexamining the narratives that shape our understanding of history and identity. It is about acknowledging the pain and suffering caused by colonization while also celebrating the resilience and contributions of Indigenous peoples.
For Native Americans, the recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a step toward healing and reconciliation. It is an opportunity to educate the public, to challenge harmful stereotypes, and to promote a more inclusive and accurate understanding of American history. It is a day to honor the strength and resilience of our ancestors and to celebrate the vibrant cultures and traditions that continue to thrive in Native communities today.
See also: What Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day for Kids?
Conclusion: Is Columbus Day Still a Thing?
In 2024, Columbus Day is still observed in many parts of the United States, but its relevance is increasingly being called into question. The growing recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day reflects a broader societal shift toward acknowledging the injustices of the past and promoting a more inclusive and accurate understanding of history.
For Native Americans, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a powerful affirmation of our identity, history, and contributions to this land. It is a day to celebrate our cultures and to advocate for justice, equality, and respect for Indigenous peoples.
As the nation continues to grapple with its complex history, the future of Columbus Day remains uncertain. However, the rise of Indigenous Peoples’ Day offers hope for a more just and equitable future, one in which the voices and experiences of Native peoples are honored and respected.
In the end, the question of whether Columbus Day is still “a thing” may not be as important as the question of what kind of country we want to be. Do we want to be a nation that celebrates conquest and colonization, or do we want to be a nation that honors the resilience and contributions of all its peoples, including the Indigenous peoples who have called this land home for thousands of years?
The choice is ours to make, and the shift from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day suggests that many Americans are choosing a future rooted in justice, inclusion, and respect for all.