What is Indigenous Peoples Day?

For over 100 years, Columbus Day has been known and celebrated as a federal holiday. However, this is likely to change in light of recent discussions. The question surrounding this holiday is whether Christopher Columbus should be celebrated on this day or not. Since this has surfaced, many public schools, including New Trier, have voted to abolish this holiday. In addition to this, the DC council has even voted that the name be replaced with “Indigenous Peoples Day.”

Columbus Day is likely to change to “Indigenous Peoples Day” because of the harm that Columbus caused the Native Americans and the controversy surrounding his moral character. Columbus spread diseases, enslaved and killed many Native Americans, and this has not been forgotten by society today. For some people, Columbus Day is a reminder of the suffering that their ancestors endured and it should be ended. Leila Fadel from NPR says that, “By bringing Indigenous Peoples' Day, we're bringing awareness that we're not going to allow someone like that to be glorified into a hero, because of the hurt that he caused to Indigenous people of America. (CLICK HERE to read more on her stance.)” Many colleges and states have already gotten rid of the holiday, and more are likely to follow. NPR states that because of Columbus’ wrongdoings he should not be granted a federal holiday, and that an Indigenous Peoples Day is increasingly more probable for our future. 

Naturally with an event like this, there are bound to be groups of people who disagree. Italian Americans, for example, feel that the holiday should be kept the way it is in respect to their Italian heritage and for Christopher Columbus (NPR). While this group does exist, it is more likely that in the near future, Columbus Day will cease to exist. Do you think that Indigenous Peoples Day is a justifiable holiday? Is it reasonable to change a federal holiday after this many years? Will schools and the general public support this change?

Comments

  1. Mr. LawlerOctober 18, 2019 at 8:45 AM

    Great post, Matina! Nice supporting quote and links to sources.

    And I think it's incredibly important for citizens to understand the history of our country -- even the disgraceful parts. If this means that people don't want to celebrate Columbus Day, then more power to them.

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