 |
| Mark Vergari/The Journal News |
When Are Indigenous Peoples Day and Columbus Day Observed?
Both Indigenous Peoples Day and Columbus Day fall on the second Monday of October each year, which in 2024 will be on October 14. While Columbus Day is a federally recognized holiday, more states and cities across the United States are shifting to observe Indigenous Peoples Day as a way to honor Native American history and culture.
A Brief History of Columbus Day
Columbus Day was established as a federal holiday in 1937, largely due to the advocacy of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic organization that sought to celebrate Italian heritage in the United States. The day commemorates Christopher Columbus’s landing in the Americas in 1492, although his arrival marked the beginning of widespread violence and exploitation of Native peoples. The first recorded celebration of Columbus Day in America was in 1792, marking the 300th anniversary of Columbus's landing. Later, in 1892, President Benjamin Harrison encouraged Americans to celebrate the 400th anniversary.
The Case for Indigenous Peoples Day
Indigenous Peoples Day emerged in recent decades as an alternative to Columbus Day, advocating for a focus on honoring Native American communities and the rich cultural history that predated European contact. In 2022, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation in recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day, signaling increased support for this perspective at the federal level, even though Columbus Day remains the official holiday in 16 states.
Reynaldo Morales, an assistant professor at Northwestern University and a Quechua descendant, emphasizes the dark side of Columbus's legacy. According to Morales, Columbus’s arrival brought unprecedented violence to the American continent. Examples include cutting off the hands of thousands of Indigenous people who failed to provide gold, mutilating others for minor offenses, and engaging in acts that would now be recognized as genocide. For Morales and others, these actions represent a legacy not worth celebrating.
Is Columbus Day Still Celebrated?
Columbus Day remains a federal holiday, with supporters viewing it as a celebration of Italian-American heritage. However, many are now advocating for the day to reflect on the experiences of Indigenous people. According to renamecolumbusday.org, 29 states and over 200 cities no longer recognize Columbus Day. In these places, Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated either through official proclamations or as an established holiday.
Why the Shift Towards Indigenous Peoples Day?
The growing adoption of Indigenous Peoples Day reflects a societal reevaluation of historical narratives. Many believe it’s time to acknowledge the struggles and resilience of Native American communities rather than celebrating Columbus, whose arrival marked the beginning of widespread exploitation and suffering for Indigenous people. This change is being driven by a broader movement to recognize and rectify historical injustices, making Indigenous Peoples Day a way to educate the public on Native history and cultures.
Conclusion
As both holidays approach, the debate continues, revealing evolving perspectives on the history and culture celebrated in the U.S. Whether observing Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day, this holiday remains a moment for reflection on the history of the Americas and the diverse cultures that shape it today.
Post a Comment
0 Comments