Ponder a Different Perspective on This Year's Columbus Day

Columbus Day has been recognized in the United States since 1937. Many people continue to honor the day in recognition of the first well-known and documented explorer to land in the Americas, sparking the beginning of the creation of The United States of America, in October of 1492. This federally recognized holiday presents a special opportunity for educators and equity advocates to engage in critical, courageous conversations not only about Columbus, but also about the history and rich legacy of the Indigenous peoples who thrived in the Americas prior to 1492. 

The United States’ Shift to Indigenous Peoples’ Day

While the movement to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day is still relatively isolated nationwide, it is catching on. In October of last year, the nation’s capital voted to temporarily replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. And D.C. isn’t alone in taking this step. Berkeley and Los Angeles, Seattle, Denver, Cambridge, and Cincinnati are among a growing number of cities shifting to Indigenous People’s Day. This shift is also happening on the state level in Alaska, South Dakota, and Maine! This movement has been led by Indigenous tribes and peoples who take immense pride in their cultural identity, and are passionate about inclusion, equity, and belonging.

Columbus Day and Teaching

We can all agree that one duty of educators is to teach young people multiple historical perspectives, including those that are lesser-known. By simply acknowledging these varying perspectives, communities take one step toward mending cultural wounds and celebrating the Indigenous peoples that were first on this land, as well as those who remain on their ancestral lands today.

How to Take Action

So how can you start to incorporate different perspectives around Columbus Day and other holidays that involve Indigenous peoples into your life? 

In the Classroom:

• Use an objective lens to evaluate your teaching lessons around Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, and other holidays that have to do with Indigenous Peoples. Ask yourself if you are teaching a complete picture or a more idealistic version that avoids uncomfortable topics. Try to incorporate multiple historically accurate perspectives.

• Bring in living members of local Indigenous tribes/organizations to talk about the history of Indigenous peoples in your area. For suggestions of local reputable speakers contact the Ohio Historical Society: Stacey Halfmoon, Director of American Indian Relations, at [email protected]. 

In Your Everyday Life:

• If you are not knowledgeable in these areas, recognize that you must commit to furthering your own knowledge and understanding.

• Visit the Ohio History Connection and explore the multiple exhibits it features on American Indian history.

• Get out of your comfort zone and attend an Indigenous Peoples’ celebration to experience their culture and grow your own cultural sensitivity.

• When you are speaking about Indigenous peoples in a historical context, make sure to emphasize and point out that Indigenous peoples are still here, they exist in our modern world and are not just part of our past.