What holiday should we celebrate in America? Columbus Day, honoring the European explorer who sailed to the Americas and located land for Europeans that would become the United States, or Indigenous Peoples’ Day, created to honor the history of all the diverse cultures that were already living here when Europeans arrived? It might seem like an odd question, but many cities and states have already picked sides and changed from celebrating Columbus to celebrating Indigenous Peoples. It’s an issue with growing controversy behind it. When you consider the merits of each holiday, it’s easy to see why there’s so much disagreement over which should be celebrated.
Why was there a change from celebrating Christopher Columbus to Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
There has been a push to change the name of the holiday from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day, recognizing and celebrating Native American people and their culture, and acknowledging the rich diversity and history of indigenous communities across the continent. Many people use this day as an opportunity to educate themselves on indigenous cultures and how they were marginalized by European settlers in North America, exploring the profound impact of colonization on these cultures, their languages, and their ways of life.
Various events, workshops, and discussions are organized throughout the day, encouraging a deeper understanding of the issues faced by Native American communities today and promoting solidarity and community-building efforts that honor their heritage and contributions to society.
The intersection of genocide and colonialism
As the descendants of those displaced from their homes due to colonization, Native American peoples should have the autonomy and the platform to decide how they want to celebrate their ancestors and what aspects of their rich histories and cultures they wish to commemorate with a holiday. This is not just a matter of recognition but a necessary step toward healing and acknowledging the deep wounds inflicted over centuries. In addition, Columbus was a known slave trader, and therefore, he is not an appropriate figure to commemorate on a day that is intended to celebrate freedom and human dignity. The ongoing legacy of colonialism in global health and policy shows us how these historical wounds continue to shape present realities for Indigenous and African communities alike.
The painful legacy of colonization includes not only the loss of land but also the loss of lives, cultures, and identities that were profoundly affected by colonizers. So why should these two figures—the celebration of Indigenous resilience and the recognition of a controversial colonizer—be celebrated together? It raises significant ethical questions about whose narratives are prioritized and whose histories are silenced in the context of American history.
What will we celebrate next year if we choose IPD over CD?
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is observed on the second Monday in October each year, celebrating the cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples to history. It highlights their rich traditions, resilience, and the profound impact they have had on the world. The idea was first proposed by Indigenous peoples at a United Nations conference in 1977, held to address discrimination against Native Americans, as NPR has reported, recognizing the need for a more inclusive narrative in the telling of American history. However, South Dakota became the first state to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 1990, officially celebrating it the following year, paving the way for other states and communities to reconsider how they recognize this important date.
IPD was created to honor these contributions and histories with an indigenous-focused day, rather than celebrating a man who may not have been the first to discover America, thus serving as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities and the importance of dialogue, understanding, and respect for their rights and identities. By celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we acknowledge and celebrate the diverse cultures of Native American tribes, their enduring legacies, and the ongoing efforts of Indigenous communities to preserve their languages, traditions, and ways of life in a rapidly changing world.
What does renaming Columbus Day do for Native Americans today?
Renaming Columbus Day would provide a sense of pride and belonging to many Native Americans who have felt marginalized by the celebration of Christopher Columbus, a figure who not only symbolizes exploration but also committed atrocities against them and their ancestors, leading to devastating impacts on their communities. By acknowledging this painful history, a renamed holiday would promote healing and reconciliation, allowing Native voices to be heard and respected.
This change would catalyze the education of non-Natives about the rich and diverse cultures of Native Americans in North America, highlighting their significant contributions to society in areas such as art, agriculture, and governance, which have often been overlooked or undervalued throughout history. Ultimately, such an initiative would not only honor the resilience of Indigenous peoples but would also encourage a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of American history.
How can we pay more respect to those who lived here before us, now on IPD, than we did in the past on CD? It’s a false equivalence to compare the two days in this way because they’re about completely different things: one is about recognizing the genocide of indigenous peoples, and the other celebrates European colonization and conquest. We should celebrate both days, but if forced to choose, I would pick IPD because it’s closer to what we need as a society right now than CD has ever been.- MM
Read next: The Controversy of Celebrating Columbus Day as a Holiday
Community is the medicine.
Indigenous sovereignty and African liberation are rooted in the same ancestral soil — every community that reclaims its story reclaims its healing power. Ubuntu Village stands with all peoples fighting to be seen whole.
Donate
Michele Mitchell is the Founder, President & CEO of Ubuntu Village Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit rooted in East Harlem, New York, with programs in Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria. A writer, advocate, and community strategist working at the intersection of ancestral wisdom, public health, and community power, Michele leads Ubuntu Village’s work to center communities as the protagonists of their own healing. She writes from the conviction that science and spirit are complementary, that healing is relational, and that community is the medicine.
Discover more from ubuntuvillageusa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.