President Joe Biden stated the reason for the name change was to acknowledge “our diverse history and the Indigenous peoples who contribute to shaping this Nation.”
For years, American society has questioned whether the holiday on October 11 should be called Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Barstow has until now, received the 2nd Monday in October off for Columbus Day. Conflict has risen between those opposing the idea and those in favor of changing the name. People in favor of changing the name to Indigenous Peoples’ Day believe that the Indigenous Americans persecuted by colonizers deserve the recognition. Those opposed believe the change is not necessary. After years of controversy, Indigenous Peoples’ Day has officially been declared a national holiday.
With the name change, many feel that the holiday now honors Indigenous Americans who struggled against oppression and genocide. While Columbus is certainly viewed as a significant figure, Indigenous Americans are just as significant to our country’s history.
While some states adopted the name Indigenous Peoples’ Day years ago in addition to or to replace Columbus Day, this year is the first Indigenous Peoples’ Day that has been declared a national holiday. Columbus Day will still be acknowledged and celebrated. The names acknowledge all groups that deserve recognition for this day for the first time.
Columbus initially sailed to the Americas on October 12, 1492. Columbus Day was designated as a national holiday in 1934 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The holiday was declared as a way to honor the Italian-Americans that had faced persecution in the past.
Roosevelt built on his predecessors when choosing the holiday. Originally, Columbus Day was named Discovery Day by President Benjamin Harrison in 1892 to “recognize Columbus as ‘the pioneer of progress and enlightenment.’” The name was later changed to honor Italian-Americans who made the journey to the Americas.
In more recent years, people began advocating for the acknowledgment of the Indigenous Americans who also faced persecution following the arrival of Columbus. While Columbus Day honored Italian-Americans, it ignored the hardships Indigenous Americans endured. Colonizers stole their land, invaded their homes, and brought diseases to the Americas. Ignoring this genocide doesn’t honor Italian Americans either.
Modern Americans now see ignoring the hardships Indigenous Americans faced is unjust. Baley Champagne, who petitioned for the name to change to Indigenous Peoples’ Day in her home state of Louisiana, believes the day should be “a celebration and to bring acknowledgement to the Native population…So to bring this, I think it’s long overdue. It’s a big celebration. And we’re just so excited to have this finally.” Naming Columbus Day Indigenous Peoples’ Day offers everyone involved a chance to feel honored and proud of their heritage.
With Indigenous Peoples’ Day being declared a national holiday, Indigenous Americans now receive recognition for the hardships they endured. President Biden gave his reasoning for declaring the holiday Indigenous Peoples’ Day to be, “For Native Americans, western exploration ushered in a wave of devastation: violence perpetrated against Native communities, displacement and theft of Tribal homelands, the introduction and spread of disease, and more. On this day, we recognize this painful past and recommit ourselves to investing in Native communities, upholding our solemn and sacred commitments to Tribal sovereignty, and pursuing a brighter future centered on dignity, respect, justice, and opportunity for all people.” Indigenous Peoples’ Day offers the opportunity for Americans to acknowledge the wrongdoings done in the past.
While the past can never be erased, we may honor the brave Indigenous Americans who experienced hardship. Whether more changes take place in the future, steps to honor everyone are being taken. Although controversy may exist, certain Americans should not be celebrated over others. At Barstow, students will receive the day off for Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Columbus Day simultaneously. Indigenous Peoples’ Day shall officially be celebrated as a national holiday in the United States.
