What Holiday Is It Today? Columbus Day And Indigenous Peoples’ Day

So, I was walking my dog this morning, and I saw this kid in a school bus holding up a hand-drawn sign that said "Happy Indigenous Peoples' Day!" Now, I've seen "Happy Columbus Day" signs before, but this one threw me for a loop. Made me realize, hey, it's October 12th, what is the deal with these two holidays, anyway?

Columbus Day: The Original Deal

Alright, let's start with the old-timer, Columbus Day. It's been around since the late 18th century, celebrating Christopher Columbus' 'discovery' of the Americas in 1492. I mean, if we're being honest, it's a bit like celebrating someone finding your house when you've been living there for centuries, but hey, that's history for you.

Columbus Day is still celebrated in many states, but it's not without its controversies. Some folks argue that Columbus wasn't the first to 'discover' America (hello, Native Americans!), and his arrival led to the colonization and mistreatment of indigenous peoples. So, it's a bit of a mixed bag, isn't it?

Indigenous Peoples' Day: The New Kid on the Block

Now, let's talk about Indigenous Peoples' Day. This one's a relative newcomer, with the first official observance happening in 1992, during the 500th anniversary of Columbus' landing. It's a day to honor and celebrate the indigenous peoples of the Americas, their cultures, and their contributions to society.

Indigenous Peoples' Day has been gaining traction in recent years, with more cities and states adopting it instead of, or in addition to, Columbus Day. It's a sign of the times, I guess. We're finally recognizing that there's more to the story than just Columbus sailing the ocean blue.

Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day Activities and Games - Images

So, Which Is It?

Well, that's up to you, really. Some places celebrate both, some have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day, and some still celebrate the old-timer. It's a conversation that's happening all over the country, and it's important to listen to the voices of indigenous communities when having that chat.

Me? I think it's a great day to learn about the indigenous peoples of the Americas, their history, and their cultures. Whether you call it Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples' Day, or something else entirely, let's use this day to educate ourselves and show respect to the first inhabitants of this land.

And hey, if you see a kid on a school bus holding up a sign, maybe give them a wave. They're onto something, you know?