October 13th was Indigenous Peoples’ Day. You might be wondering: what is Indigenous Peoples’ Day? Well, it’s actually what used to be known as Columbus Day. In recent years, many places have started calling it Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead, to recognize and honor the Native American communities who were here long before European Christopher Columbus arrived. The name was first changed by Berkeley, California, in 1992, on the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival. Since then, more cities and states have followed. Even Former President Joe Biden officially recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2021, with a presidential proclamation.
Before this change, many schools and states gave students the day off for Columbus Day. States like California, New York, and Massachusetts often observed Columbus Day as a school holiday. But now, only a few places give a day off specifically for Indigenous Peoples’ Day. For example, states like Alaska, Minnesota, Vermont, and Maine observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a holiday, by closing schools or having limited activities.
On the other hand, many states don’t give students a day off for Indigenous Peoples’ Day at all, including places like Texas, Florida, and most of Southern America. So, even though the holiday changed its name and focus, many students still don’t get a break.
Colorado does not officially recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a state holiday. In 2020, Colorado replaced Columbus Day with Frances Xavier Cabrini Day, and only government offices get that day off. With Indigenous Peoples’ Day, school closures vary by district. For example, Denver Public Schools usually stay open on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, though Denver city government offices close. Similarly, Littleton Public Schools also remain open on this day, so students don’t get the day off.
It’s hard not to notice that while the meaning of the day has changed to honor Indigenous peoples, the way it’s observed when it comes to taking time off is very uneven. It makes us question the fairness of history, and whose culture are really being valued when decisions like these are made.
