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Debate Over Columbus Day Versus Indigenous Peoples’ Day

The Changing Face of Columbus Day

Columbus Day, once celebrated as a symbol of exploration and perseverance, faces growing scrutiny due to Columbus's actions and their impact on Native Americans. Native American groups argue that celebrating Columbus Day validates the mistreatment of Indigenous peoples. Historical accounts outline Columbus's practices, including the enslavement of Indigenous populations, contributing to this reevaluation.

In recent years, numerous states and localities have responded to these concerns by renaming the holiday. California and Delaware set the precedent by dropping Columbus Day or substituting it with Indigenous Peoples' Day in 2009. States like Maine, Vermont, and New Mexico made similar changes more recently. Even Columbus, Ohio, declined to celebrate its namesake last year, aligning with cities across the nation that have adopted Indigenous Peoples' Day.

School systems, like New York City's, also grapple with commemorating Columbus while acknowledging his controversial legacy. While some Italian-American groups see the renaming as an erasure of their heritage, others, like Council member Justin Brannan of New York, are open to renaming the day while still honoring Italian contributions, suggesting a separate holiday dedicated to Italian American heritage.

Across the nation, the debate continues. In Massachusetts, Sen. Joanne Comerford pushes for legislative changes, backed by Native advocates who emphasize the importance of acknowledging historical truths. Columbus's legacy is increasingly questioned under public scrutiny, revealing a pattern of historical injustices that many believe should not be celebrated.

Even President Biden's dual proclamation of both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day signifies a shift in how these histories are represented at the national level. Meanwhile, places like South Dakota and Alaska continue promoting Indigenous Peoples' Day, reinforcing a nationwide reassessment of what Columbus Day represents.

Events like the removal of Columbus statues, as seen in Boston's North End, tie into the broader drive to rectify historical accounts. This growing list of changes reveals an evolving American consciousness, grappling with the legacy of European colonization and its indigenous impact, raising critical questions about which histories we choose to honor.

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Emergence of Indigenous Peoples' Day

Indigenous Peoples' Day has emerged as a counter-celebration to Columbus Day, serving to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native American communities. The movement to establish this day reflects an effort to rectify historical records and acknowledge the experiences of Indigenous peoples under European colonization.

In 2021, President Biden issued a proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day, while still acknowledging Columbus Day. This dual celebration at the federal level underscores a growing recognition of the need to honor Indigenous histories alongside traditional accounts.

Several states have followed suit. Maine, New Mexico, Vermont, and others have officially designated the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples' Day. These states align with a growing number of localities across the nation that have chosen to forego Columbus Day celebrations in favor of recognizing Indigenous cultures.

"We know what he [Columbus] did. It's a historic fact. And no one was sitting here waiting to be discovered. We were already here," asserts Mahtowin Munro, co-leader of the advocacy group United American Indians of New England, and a member of the Lakota tribe.1

The push for Indigenous Peoples' Day also aligns with a national trend to replace offensive place names and symbols. The actions taken by Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American to lead the Department of the Interior, to rename sites with derogatory terms further underscore federal efforts to promote Indigenous rights and acknowledgment.

By embracing Indigenous Peoples' Day, the nation takes a step in honoring the contributions and legacies of Native American communities. This celebration not only rectifies historical inaccuracies but also paves the way for a more comprehensive understanding of the American story.

A vibrant Indigenous Peoples' Day celebration with traditional dances and American flags

Ongoing Debate and Different Perspectives

The debate over Columbus Day versus Indigenous Peoples' Day involves deeply entrenched perspectives that reflect broader ideological divides. Italian-American groups often perceive Columbus Day as a celebration of their heritage and contributions to American society. State Rep. Jeffrey Rosario Turco contends that replacing Columbus Day undermines the recognition of Italian-American history.

Domenic Amara, president of the Pirandello Lyceum, asserts that recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day simultaneously with Columbus Day would be more constructive, as removing Columbus Day altogether risks alienating Italian-Americans.

Contrarily, Native American advocates like Mahtowin Munro oppose celebrating a figure tied to the onset of Indigenous suffering. Munro argues that acknowledging Columbus Day is equivalent to endorsing the violence and exploitation that followed his explorations.

Further complicating the discourse are politically charged perspectives, as seen from figures like J.D. Vance, who laud Columbus as a symbol of European ingenuity and exploration. Vance's stance aligns with a broader conservative viewpoint that perceives the reevaluation of historical figures like Columbus as an attack on Western heritage.

Public reactions to the renaming debate have also been polarized. Proponents of Indigenous Peoples' Day argue for a more inclusive curriculum that does justice to Native American histories, while opponents see it as a divisive move.

The struggle for recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day ties into broader political movements and legislative efforts. President Biden's dual acknowledgment of both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day represents a federal attempt to balance these competing accounts.

In states like Massachusetts, Sen. Joanne Comerford leads legislative initiatives to enshrine Indigenous Peoples' Day into law, highlighting a growing push for such changes.

The ongoing debate encapsulates a fundamental struggle over who gets to determine the story of American history. As these discussions unfold, the nation continues to grapple with how to best honor its diverse heritage while confronting the injustices embedded in its past. How can we balance historical pride with a nuanced understanding of the consequences of colonization? Is it possible to ensure that the United States' commemorative practices evolve responsibly and inclusively?

A debate stage with representatives from Italian-American and Native American groups discussing Columbus Day
  1. Grayson L. Indigenous Peoples' Day or Columbus Day? 14 states celebrate, honor Native American histories. USA Today. October 10, 2022.