CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) — Columbus Day honors the day Christopher Columbus landed in the Bahamas in 1492, but some people question the holiday’s origins.

Many businesses and schools are closed for Monday’s holiday, which has taken on a new name by some states in recent years, to honor its true origins.

Due to Columbus’ history, there is an ongoing debate over whether or not to call the holiday Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Supporters of Indigenous Peoples’ Day say it’s a way to face the reality of the genocide and land theft that happened to Native Americans after Columbus’ arrival.

Since 2014, at least 33 states in the U.S. have recognized and continue to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day in some way. Rhode Island recognizes both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day, while in Massachusetts it is still just Columbus Day.

Either way, the day is a good time to reflect on Indigenous history and honor the legacies of the indigenous tribes who once cared for the land we occupy today.

U.S. states that recognize Columbus Day

In Hawaii, the day is known as Discoverers’ Day, California and Delaware dropped the holiday entirely in 2009.

Massachusetts State Senator Jo Comerford has filed legislation to officially change the name of the holiday in the Bay State. The bill was voted favorably by the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

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