Should Columbus Day be replaced by Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

Since Congress first designated in 1934, the United States has observed Columbus Day as a national holiday. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to instead celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day on the second Monday in October to acknowledge the consequences of colonialism on native populations in the U.S. and around the world. But some groups argue that Columbus Day, regardless of it's namesake's actions, represents a legacy of immigration and acceptance into America. Should we bid bon voyage to Columbus Day?

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Additional resources to think about

Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples' Day?
This Chicago Tonight segment features Heather Miller, the Executive Director of the American Indian Center, and Enza Raineri, the Former President of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, as they share their perspectives for and against Columbus Day.

Think You Know The Real Christopher Columbus?
An NPR segment that does a bit of “myth busting” about the history and legacy of Christopher Columbus.

Columbus Day 2020
An informational page outlining a brief history of Columbus, how we began celebrating Columbus Day, and why people are considering Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an alternative.

Native American History Books Everyone Should Read
A list of books that aim to “decolonize American history” by telling the history of this country from the perspective of Native Americans.

All About the Holidays: Indigenous Peoples' Day
This video from PBSLearningMedia offers a description of Indigenous Peoples' Day, as designated by the United Nations and celebrated on August 9th or replacing Columbus Day.

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