Indigenous Peoples’ Day was started in 1992 by Berkeley, Cakifornia to coincide with the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Columbus. In 2014 many other states adopted the holiday and in 2021 President Joe Biden signed the first presidential proclamation of indigenous peoples day. This makes this beautiful day as a federal holiday, which will now be shared with Columbus Day. This day holds greater significance than simply being part of a long weekend.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a holiday in the United States dedicated to celebrating and honoring indigenous American peoples, as well as commemorating their rich histories and cultures. It falls on the second Monday of October and is recognized as an official city and state holiday in many localities. Originally established as a counter-celebration to coincide with Columbus Day, which honors Christopher Columbus, some individuals choose not to celebrate Columbus due to his association with the violent history of colonization in the Western Hemisphere.
History:
The observance of Indigenous Peoples Day was first established in Berkeley, California, in 1992, to align with the commemoration of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. Following this, Santa Cruz, California, also adopted the holiday two years later. As of 2014, numerous other cities and states have embraced Indigenous Peoples Day as well. In 2021, President Joe Biden officially recognized and celebrated the holiday through a presidential proclamation, marking the first time a U.S. president has done so.
