Indigenous Peoples Day and Columbus Day: Dates and History to Know for 2024
In recent years, the commemoration of Indigenous Peoples Day has gained traction across the United States, standing alongside the historically observed Columbus Day. In 2024, both holidays will once again be observed on the same day, Monday, October 14, as they have been since Indigenous Peoples Day was federally recognized during the Biden administration. This dual celebration highlights a shift in national consciousness, acknowledging the contributions and history of Native American communities, while also sparking debate over the legacy of Christopher Columbus.
When is Columbus Day in 2024?
Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day will both fall on October 14, 2024. These holidays are observed on the second Monday of October every year. As is customary, federal offices, including post offices, will be closed, along with many public schools and some banks. The observance of the day varies across the country, as not all states or municipalities officially recognize Columbus Day anymore, and many have moved to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day instead.
What is Indigenous Peoples Day?
Indigenous Peoples Day is a holiday that celebrates and honors Native American history, culture, and contributions to the United States. It aims to correct the narrative around Christopher Columbus, who is credited with “discovering” the Americas, but whose expeditions also led to the colonization, enslavement, and exploitation of Indigenous peoples. The holiday serves as a time to reflect on the resilience and significance of Indigenous communities, both historically and in the present day.
The growing movement to replace or complement Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day comes as part of a broader societal reckoning with the past. Native American advocates argue that continuing to celebrate Columbus, an explorer whose arrival marked the beginning of European colonization and the devastation of Indigenous populations, is inappropriate and harmful.
The Controversy Around Columbus Day
Columbus Day has been celebrated as a federal holiday since 1937, primarily recognizing Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas in 1492. For many Italian Americans, the holiday is a celebration of their heritage, as Columbus was Italian, and his voyages have long been portrayed as a key moment in the history of Western exploration.
However, Columbus Day has become increasingly controversial as more attention has been paid to the darker aspects of his legacy. Critics argue that Columbus’s expeditions were marked by violence, enslavement, and the beginning of centuries of Indigenous genocide and displacement. Scott Stevens, director of the Native American and Indigenous Studies Program at Syracuse University, has noted that “to have had American colonialism looked at throughout history as not being a problem and celebrated as a good thing is deeply problematic to any of us who live in a Native American community or reservation.”
Approximately 29 states and Washington, D.C., do not celebrate Columbus Day in any official capacity. Many cities have moved to rename or replace the holiday with Indigenous Peoples Day. According to the advocacy group renamecolumbusday.org, about 216 cities across the United States have made this change. The movement reflects a growing national conversation about how historical figures are remembered and celebrated, particularly those associated with colonization and oppression.
Is Columbus Day Still a Federal Holiday?
Yes, Columbus Day remains a federal holiday in the United States. However, the growing push to replace it with Indigenous Peoples Day has led to a rethinking of how the day is observed in many parts of the country. Some states, including Vermont, Maine, and New Mexico, have officially replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day. Other states, like Hawaii, South Dakota, and Alaska, have long celebrated alternative holidays like Discoverers’ Day or Native American Day instead of Columbus Day.
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While Columbus Day is still recognized at the federal level, Indigenous Peoples Day has also gained federal recognition, particularly under the Biden administration. Since 2021, the Biden administration has issued an annual proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day. The proclamations emphasize the importance of honoring the histories and contributions of Indigenous communities and acknowledging the painful legacy of colonization. The federal recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day marks a significant shift in how the U.S. government approaches the history of Native American peoples and their place in the nation’s story.
The Future of Indigenous Peoples Day
The movement to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day instead of Columbus Day is part of a larger cultural shift towards acknowledging and addressing historical injustices. As more states and cities adopt Indigenous Peoples Day, the trend toward rethinking the legacy of Columbus and honoring Native American communities is likely to grow. For many, the day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles Indigenous peoples face and an opportunity to celebrate their resilience, culture, and contributions to society.
With the continued recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day, the U.S. is moving toward a more inclusive understanding of its history—one that acknowledges the pain of colonization while celebrating the strength and diversity of its Indigenous populations. As the holiday continues to gain prominence, it presents an opportunity for reflection, education, and a deeper understanding of the nation’s complex history.
