A marble replica of the Christopher Columbus statue toppled during 2020 protests was installed on the grounds of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building near the White House, supported by the statue’s owners and the Trump administration who frame Columbus as a hero, while critics highlight his conquest-era legacy and Indigenous Peoples Day’s growing recognition.
A marble statue of Christopher Columbus was placed on the grounds of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building near the White House, a replica loaned by Italian American Organizations United. The move, backed by the Trump administration, underscores ongoing debates over Columbus’s legacy and Indigenous Peoples Day, with Columbus praised by supporters and criticized for conquest and exploitation by opponents.
Many Americans celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day with events honoring Native culture, while some states recognized it officially. President Biden acknowledged both Indigenous Peoples Day and Columbus Day, but Trump reversed this, emphasizing Columbus's legacy, which drew criticism from Native communities. The article highlights ongoing debates about Columbus's historical impact, efforts for inclusion and healing, and recent policy changes supporting tribal colleges and addressing historical injustices.
President Trump issued a proclamation to reinstate Columbus Day, emphasizing Columbus's legacy of faith and courage, amidst ongoing debates over the holiday's historical impact and recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day, with critics highlighting Columbus's role in violence against Native Americans.
Whoopi Goldberg acknowledged that many viewers were upset with "The View" for not celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day on Monday. The show had a busy episode, featuring interviews with ABC foreign correspondent James Longman on the attacks in Israel and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Goldberg mentioned that they did not have time to acknowledge the holiday but wanted to remind people that it was Italian Heritage month. Indigenous Peoples' Day is a holiday recognized by many states as an alternative to Columbus Day.
Indigenous Peoples Day was celebrated across the United States with various events and ceremonies honoring Native American cultures. Sunrise gatherings, marches, dances, speeches, and traditional performances took place in cities such as Minneapolis, Seattle, Phoenix, and Anchorage. The day, officially recognized by President Joe Biden, aims to honor the country's first inhabitants and the thriving Tribal Nations. Many states and cities have shifted from celebrating Christopher Columbus to recognizing the lives and cultures impacted by colonialism. The celebrations highlight the importance of recognizing and respecting Indigenous peoples' contributions and history.
The second Monday of October is a federal holiday in the United States, known as Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples' Day depending on the state. While government offices are closed, some states have chosen to recognize the mistreatment of Indigenous people by renaming the holiday. The U.S. Postal Service is closed, but FedEx and UPS are operating with some modifications. Most banks are closed, but some branches like Chase and TD Bank remain open. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are open, but bond markets are closed. Schools have varying closures depending on the location.
Indigenous Peoples Day is now officially recognized in Minnesota, replacing Columbus Day. Schools are required to observe the holiday and educate students about its significance. Celebrations are taking place throughout the state, including ceremonies, events, and street celebrations. Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan participated in a sunrise ceremony at Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis. The day aims to honor and celebrate the cultural heritage and contributions of Indigenous peoples.
In celebration of Indigenous People's Day, Coyote & Crow Games is offering their core rulebook for the pen-and-paper RPG, Coyote & Crow, for free for one day only. The game is set in an alternate history where indigenous people thrive in North America. The publisher encourages the Indigenous community to take advantage of the deal, but anyone can pay what they deem fair. Additional support can be given through the publisher's online storefront.
Governor Janet Mills of Maine issued a statement honoring Indigenous Peoples' Day and highlighting the historic progress made with the Wabanaki Nations during her administration. This progress includes establishing Indigenous Peoples' Day, signing significant tribal legislation, extending rights to the Mi'kmaq Nation, enshrining the Indian Child Welfare Act into state law, and providing more time for tribal nations to acquire land in trust. Other achievements include strengthening water quality standards for sustenance fishing, expanding tribal jurisdiction in domestic violence cases, returning culturally important land, and improving access to clean drinking water for the Passamaquoddy Tribe. Governor Mills has also increased tribal representation, prohibited Native American mascots in public schools, established commissions for racial and tribal populations, and granted a posthumous pardon for a deceased advocate for the Passamaquoddy Tribe.
Columbus Day, which is recognized as Indigenous Peoples Day in many states and cities, will see closures of government buildings, banks, and the U.S. Postal Service. However, most retailers, grocery stores, and restaurants will remain open. Schools may vary in their observance of the holiday, with Chicago Public Schools recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day and not holding classes.
Today is Columbus Day, a federal holiday in the United States that recognizes Italian explorer Christopher Columbus. However, the holiday has become controversial due to its association with the colonization of the Americas and displacement of indigenous people. Some states have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day. Federal offices, banks, and the U.S. Post Office are closed, while UPS, FedEx, restaurants, malls, movie theaters, and national parks remain open. Garbage and recycling collection may be on an altered schedule.
A group of mostly House and Senate Democrats, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, have written a letter to President Biden urging him to grant clemency to Leonard Peltier, a Native American activist convicted in the 1970s of fatally shooting two FBI agents. The Democrats cast doubt on the circumstances of Peltier's conviction and highlighted his age, health issues, and nearly five decades of imprisonment. Peltier's conviction has been upheld on appeal multiple times, and the FBI Agents Association strongly opposes his release. The White House has not responded to the letter.
A group of mostly House and Senate Democrats, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, have written a letter to President Biden urging him to grant clemency to Leonard Peltier, a Native American activist convicted in the 1970s of fatally shooting two FBI agents. The lawmakers cast doubt on the circumstances of Peltier's conviction and highlighted his age, health issues, and nearly five decades of imprisonment. Peltier's conviction has been upheld on appeal multiple times, and the FBI Agents Association strongly opposes granting him clemency.
The US will observe the Columbus Day federal holiday on Monday, October 9, 2023, which also coincides with Indigenous Peoples' Day. While the US stock markets will remain open, the bond market will be closed, resulting in slightly diminished liquidity and lighter interest than usual.