On Oct. 13, people across the United States will be celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a holiday that honors the history and culture of native people who have lived in the United States for hundreds of years
Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated on the second Monday of every October. The same day was formally recognized as Columbus Day, which was named after the explorer Christopher Columbus.
Cities across the country have begun renaming Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Some communities host cultural events, traditional dances, and educational programs to celebrate and honor their Native heritage.
Sophomore Jack Steele agrees that the transition from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day was important.
“I think Indigenous Peoples Day is better to celebrate than Columbus Day because the Indigenous People were on the land first and got it stolen from Columbus, which we shouldn’t celebrate,” Steele said.
The day no longer focuses on Columbus, whose arrival in 1492 led to the colonization of and suffering of Native people. The day now spotlights the Indigenous culture and tradition, giving a voice to those who had it taken away from them.
Sophomore Jaxon Coldwate supports the notion of celebrating the history of the native people.
“It is wonderful to honor Indigenous people and to be given an opportunity to dive deeper into their history to learn more about their culture. I also appreciate the extra recognition they get, being granted a national holiday,” Coldwate said.
With all of the controversial actions and hardships caused by Christopher Columbus to those undeserving, America is leaning away from granting him so much honor, and many states are in the process of or have already transitioned away from celebrating Columbus.
Some states, such as Michigan, California, Wisconsin, and many others, consider Indigenous Peoples Day an official holiday.
Written by sophomore Logan Groh. Edited by staff writers for Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.