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(Trends Wide) — Columbus Day has for years been a political lightning rod for the states, cities and municipalities of the United States. Some have decided to do something about it.
Several states have decided to officially celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, or some version of it, a holiday to recognize native populations that were displaced and decimated after Christopher Columbus and other European explorers arrived on the continent.
Most notably, President Joe Biden became the first US president to issue a proclamation to mark Indigenous Peoples’ Day, writing that this Monday was a day when the country “celebrates the invaluable contributions and the resistance of indigenous peoples, recognizes their inherent sovereignty and is committed to honoring the obligations of the federal government in matters of trusts and treaties with tribal nations. “
Columbus Day is technically a federal holiday, which means that it is recognized by the US Government and therefore entails the closure of non-essential government offices and, typically, places such as post offices. and banks.
But states and local governments can choose not to observe a federal holiday. And, as is the case with a growing number of cities and states, they can completely change the name and intention of the October party.
Up to 130 cities across the country have substituted Columbus Day for Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and the list grows each year.
States that officially celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of or in addition to Columbus Day
Alabama: celebrates both Columbus Day and American Indian Heritage Day.
Alaska: celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day since 2017. Governor Bill Walker signed the celebration of the holiday in 2015 and 2016 before making the change official in 2017.
Hawai: celebrates Discoverers Day instead of Columbus Day, with state law describing it as a day “in recognition of the Polynesian discoverers of the Hawaiian Islands.”
Maine: commemorates Indigenous Peoples’ Day beginning in 2019, when Governor Janet Mills said it was a step “to heal the divisions of the past, to foster inclusion” and “to tell a fuller and deeper story.”
Nebraska: Starting in 2021, the state recognizes Indigenous Peoples Day in addition to Columbus Day.
New Mexico– Celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day since 2019. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said the day would celebrate the “23 sovereign Indigenous nations of the state and the essential place of honor that Native citizens occupy in the fabric of our great state.”
Oklahoma– In 2019, the state voted to move Native American Day to the same day as Columbus Day so that both can be celebrated simultaneously.
Oregon: passed a law in 2021 that designates the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Dakota del Sur: celebrates the Day of Indigenous Peoples since 1990.
Vermont: A law was passed in 2019 that replaces Columbus Day with the Day of the Indigenous Peoples.
States (and the capital) that celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day through proclamations
ArizonaIn 2020, Governor Doug Ducey signed a proclamation that recognized October 12 of that year as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, in addition to Columbus Day, according to Trends Wide affiliate KNXV.
California: In addition to commemorating Native American Day in late September, Governor Gavin Newsom has signed annual proclamations marking Native American Day on the second Monday in October.
Iowa: Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds made a proclamation in 2018 designating Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples Day.
Louisiana: the state does not recognize Columbus Day. Governor John Bel Edwards declared October 14, 2019 the state’s first Indigenous Peoples Day.
Michigan– On October 14, 2019, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared the day as Indigenous Peoples Day “to elevate the indigenous roots, history and contributions of our country.”
MinnesotaIn 2019, Governor Tim Walz signed a proclamation declaring the second Monday in October of that year as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The state is home to 11 tribal nations.
Nevada: Governor Steve Sisolak signed a proclamation in 2020 marking October 12 of that year as Indigenous Peoples Day, saying, in part, that it “allows us to rethink our history” and recognize “the important contributions of indigenous peoples in the state of Nevada “.
North Carolina– Governor Roy Cooper has made annual proclamations designating the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Virginia: In 2020, Governor Ralph Northam declared Virginia’s first Indigenous Peoples Day, calling it “an important step in creating an inclusive and honest Commonwealth.” The state is home to 11 native tribes.
Wisconsin– Governor Tony Evers established Indigenous Peoples Day through an executive order days before the observance in 2019.
Washington– The Washington Council voted to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day a few days before the 2019 celebration.
