More than five centuries ago, Christopher Columbus set the Pinta, Niña, and Santa Maria off the shores of Spain in 1492. The explorer’s arrival in the isle of Hispaniola sparked centuries of European migration to what would soon become known as the Americas. In more recent years, however, Americans have acknowledged the painful and unethical history of atrocities that European explorers inflicted onto Indigenous populations. 

With this acknowledgement becoming increasingly prominent in modern discussions about Columbus Day, many Americans sought to rename the holiday “Indigenous People’s Day,” in honor of the millions whose lives were upturned by the arrival of Columbus.

On October 8th 2021, President Biden issued the first ever presidential-proclamation of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, aiding efforts to bring more awareness to the abuse and tourture the Native peoples had to suffer from European colonization. 

Many people who celebrate Columbus Day are not aware of the atrocities he has committed towards countless individuals and groups during his time spent in the Americas. Columbus brought rape, torture, and slavery to the “New World”. As a result of his actions, many people—including the president—feel as though celebrating him is not only an unethical decision, but that it is also offensive towards people of Native backgrounds. 

Throughout recent years, protestors have beheaded and destroyed statues of him across various cities. The pressure to completely abolish this federal holiday has only skyrocketed, and now, more than ever, people want to replace this holiday with another federal holiday that celebrates the people who populated the Americas before Columbus ever “sailed the ocean blue.”

“Indigenous day is all about bringing acknowledgement to the Native population,” said senior Eden Reznik. It also allows us to reflect back on the ways we treated Native tribes, however disturbing they may be, and inspire us to model better behaviors for future generations.”

“It’s important that our country stop idolizing and celebrating bad people, whether that be Christopher Columbus or those who fought to uphold slavery during the civil war,” expressed senior Gregory Leung. It’s even better that we instead have decided to celebrate a culture that we have gradually destroyed for centuries on end. This holiday doesn’t undo all the damage done, but at least more people can be aware of it,” he added.

Whether it be celebrating Columbus’s exploration itself or the general European migration to America, the fact that Natives had their own cultures and their own traditions is undeniable, and Indigenous People’s day serves as a day to celebrate them.