In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.
We all know this old rhyme. And I’m sure it comes to mind every second Monday of October. But that day may not be Columbus Day much longer…
Eight cities are now officially recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day, instead of Columbus Day. The movement likely began in 1992 in Berkeley, California.
Berkeley, California, is thought to be the first city to adopt Indigenous People’s Day, in 1992, building on global efforts to correct the misperception that Columbus was the first explorer to reach the banks of the New World. A 1994 United Nations General Assembly resolution established International Day of the World’s Indigenous People on August 9.
Now several cities, such as Seattle, Portland, and San Antonio, as well as many Native American nations, are celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day. Supporters feel that it is no longer acceptable to celebrate Christopher Columbus, noting his role in enslaving and oppressing the native inhabitants of the Americas. They also feel that it’s important to honor the past and present contributions of indigenous cultures.
“This (resolution) not only represents that we have been here for 10,000 years or longer … more importantly it recognizes that we are still here and that we are alive,” Arlene Kashata, a Traverse City resident and member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, told the Traverse City Record-Eagle when the her town voted to recognize Indigenous People’s Day. “That we are a culture that is giving and contributing to this community.”
However, Italian-Americans oppose the change.
Columbus Day has often been considered an important time to celebrate Italian-American heritage. Italian immigrants often faced discrimination, and Columbus Day was part of them becoming accepted by the broader American society.
In many cities, Columbus Day is a celebration of Italian-American heritage, not just Columbus, so it’s no surprise that Italian-Americans are among the most vocal opponents of the shifting focus.
Parades are still planned this year in New York and San Francisco, home of the country’s biggest Columbus Day celebrations. New York is one of the states where Columbus Day is a paid holiday. In Erie County, the Federation of Italian-American Societies in Western New York will still host the annual Columbus Day parade in Buffalo,
“This, for us, will always be Columbus Day,” President Peter LoJacono told the Buffalo News in June. “It’s a day we have always celebrated. We will continue to do so.”
Click here to learn more about Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day.
What do you think? Should we make the switch to Indigenous Peoples Day, or stick with the traditional Columbus Day? Let us know in the comments.
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