Columbus Day, traditionally celebrated on the second Monday of October, has been a longstanding national holiday in the United States. Its origins date back to 1937 when it was established to commemorate Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. For many years, the holiday was seen as a celebration of Italian-American heritage and Columbus’ role in “discovering” the New World. However, in recent decades, the narrative surrounding Columbus Day has shifted dramatically.

Indigenous Peoples' DayPhoto byFODMAP Everyday

As more attention is paid to the experiences and suffering of Indigenous peoples, many have called for the holiday’s renaming and transformation into a day that acknowledges the complex and often painful history of colonization. This movement has led to the increasing adoption of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which celebrates the histories and contributions of Native American cultures rather than glorifying Columbus’ legacy.

Retrain Yourself: It's Indigenous Peoples' Day

In this article, we’ll explore the history of Columbus Day, the motivations behind renaming it, the rise of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and the significance of this shift in the context of modern America. If you still say "Columbus Day", it's time to retrain your brain.

The Origins of Columbus Day

Depiction of the harvest supper.Photo byCanva

Columbus Day was first officially recognized in 1937, following advocacy by Italian-American groups who sought a way to honor their heritage and counteract the widespread discrimination they faced during that period. Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer, became a symbol of Italian-American pride, and his “discovery” of America provided a convenient narrative for celebrating their contributions to the nation’s history.

The Name Had Legs

For much of the 20th century, Columbus Day was widely celebrated across the U.S. with parades, festivals, and other patriotic displays. The holiday served as an opportunity to recognize not only Columbus himself but also the broader contributions of immigrants, particularly those from Italy. However, beneath this celebration, there remained a more troubling history.

Reconsidering Columbus’ Legacy

In recent years, a growing awareness of the darker aspects of Christopher Columbus’ legacy has prompted many Americans to reconsider the celebration of Columbus Day. Columbus’ arrival in the Americas marked the beginning of centuries of colonization, violence, and exploitation of Indigenous peoples. While Columbus is often credited with “discovering” the New World, it is important to remember that the Americas were already inhabited by thriving Indigenous civilizations long before his arrival.

It Actually Represented Oppression

Moreover, historical accounts reveal that Columbus’ interactions with Indigenous peoples were often marked by brutality. He and his men enslaved Native Americans, forced them into labor, and subjected them to violence. The arrival of European colonizers also brought with it diseases that devastated Indigenous populations, leading to widespread death and suffering. For many Native Americans and their allies, Columbus Day represents not a celebration of discovery but the beginning of a long history of colonization and oppression.

The Rise of Indigenous Peoples’ Day

As the historical narrative around Columbus has shifted, so too has the way in which Americans commemorate this day. In 1992, Berkeley, California, became the first city in the U.S. to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day in place of Columbus Day. This decision was made in part to mark the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival in the Americas and to acknowledge the devastating impact of colonization on Native peoples. Since then, the movement to rename Columbus Day has gained significant momentum.

The Name Change Takes Place

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is now celebrated in many cities and states across the country, including Washington, D.C., New York City, and Denver. It is a day to honor the rich cultural heritage of Native American communities and to recognize their resilience in the face of historical and ongoing challenges. By shifting the focus from Columbus to Indigenous peoples, this day provides an opportunity to reflect on the diverse histories that have shaped the United States and to promote healing and reconciliation.

Why Renaming Matters

The movement to rename Columbus Day is not just about changing the name of a holiday—it reflects a broader cultural and historical reckoning. For many Americans, the renaming of Columbus Day is part of a growing effort to confront the country’s colonial past and to question the narratives that have long been accepted as part of the national identity. By recognizing the harms inflicted on Indigenous communities, the renaming of the holiday seeks to create a more inclusive and accurate understanding of American history.

We Will Not Celebrate Colonization

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This shift also highlights the evolving relationship between Americans and their history. In a country built on ideals of freedom and equality, the legacy of colonization and the treatment of Native peoples pose difficult questions about how to reconcile these values with the realities of the past. Renaming Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day challenges the traditional narrative of Columbus as a heroic figure and instead offers a more nuanced understanding of the historical complexities surrounding the colonization of the Americas.

Resistance and Criticism

Despite the growing support for Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the movement to rename Columbus Day has not been without controversy. Some Italian-American groups and other supporters of Columbus argue that the renaming erases an important part of their cultural heritage. For them, Columbus remains a symbol of Italian pride and immigration to the United States. They contend that while Columbus’ actions may have been flawed, his historical significance should still be recognized.

Push Back

Others worry that renaming Columbus Day sets a precedent for revisiting and revising other aspects of American history. The debate over Columbus Day has become part of a broader national conversation about how to address historical figures and events that, when viewed through a modern lens, are seen as problematic or offensive.

The National Shift: A Sign of the Times

Toppling of Columbus statuePhoto byBen Hovland via Shutterstock.

The push to rename Columbus Day reflects broader social and cultural changes occurring in the U.S. As Americans become more aware of historical injustices, there is increasing pressure to address the legacies of colonization, slavery, and systemic racism. The movement to rename Columbus Day is part of this larger conversation about how the country can move forward while acknowledging the harm done in the past.

Biden Makes Formal Recognition

In 2021, President Joe Biden became the first sitting president to formally recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day with a presidential proclamation, marking a significant moment in the ongoing shift away from Columbus Day. While Columbus Day remains a federal holiday, the growing recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day signals that the conversation around America’s history and its treatment of Native peoples is far from over.

Conclusion

The renaming of Columbus Day is more than a symbolic gesture; it represents a profound shift in how Americans understand their history and identity. By moving away from a celebration of Columbus and toward a recognition of Indigenous peoples, the country is taking steps to confront the legacies of colonization and promote a more inclusive narrative. While debates over the holiday’s renaming are likely to continue, the increasing recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day highlights the importance of reflection, reconciliation, and the celebration of diverse cultures in shaping the future of the United States.