Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a holiday that celebrates and honors Native American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. It is celebrated across the United States on the second Monday in October, in place of Columbus Day.
What is Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is an holiday that celebrates and honors the Indigenous peoples of America and recognizes their histories and cultures. This day is celebrated in various localities in the United States and is slowly gaining recognition as a replacement for Columbus Day.
Many Native Americans have long opposed Columbus Day, feeling that it celebrates a man who enabled their colonization and forced assimilation. Indigenous Peoples’ Day, in contrast, recognizes the losses suffered by Indigenous peoples while celebrating their cultural contributions throughout history.
The History and Significance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day
The idea of Indigenous Peoples’ Day was first proposed in 1977 by a delegation of Native nations to the United Nations-sponsored International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas. However, it wasn’t until 1992, the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s voyage, that Berkeley, California became the first city to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Since then, the recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day has slowly spread. The day aims to celebrate and recognize the history and contributions of Native Americans, rather than honoring Christopher Columbus, who is seen by many as a symbol of the oppression and genocide of Indigenous peoples.
States and Cities Officially Recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day
As of 2021, over a dozen states and more than 130 cities have chosen to officially observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, either alongside or instead of Columbus Day. Some of these include:
- Maine, New Mexico, Vermont, and the District of Columbia celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day exclusively
- Alabama, Nebraska, and Rhode Island recognize both holidays
- South Dakota celebrates Native Americans’ Day instead of Columbus Day
- Massachusetts is considering celebrating both holidays
Many cities, universities, and other institutions have also made the switch. The trend reflects a growing understanding of the pain and oppression that Columbus’s arrival brought to Indigenous peoples.
Is Indigenous Peoples’ Day a Federal Holiday?
While Indigenous Peoples’ Day is gaining recognition at the state and local levels, Columbus Day remains a federal holiday. This means that federal offices, banks, and many other businesses still observe Columbus Day.
In 2021, however, the Biden administration took a significant step by becoming the first presidential administration to officially recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day. While this didn’t make it a federal holiday, it was seen as an important symbolic gesture.
Federal Offices and Services Closed on Columbus Day
Because Columbus Day is still a federal holiday, many federal services are unavailable on this day:
- The United States Postal Service (USPS) is closed and does not deliver mail
- Most federal offices are closed
- Some states, like Wisconsin, keep state government offices open
- FedEx has modified service, while UPS is open but may require an additional transit day
It’s always best to check with your local offices to confirm their holiday hours.
Biden Administration’s Recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day
In 2021, on the eve of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, President Biden issued a proclamation recognizing October 11 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. He called on the country to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, and to celebrate the thriving cultures and positive impact of Indigenous peoples.
While this presidential proclamation didn’t change the federal holiday status of Columbus Day, it was a significant step towards recognizing the importance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the federal level.
Are Banks Open or Closed on Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
Because Columbus Day is a federal holiday, most banks are closed on this day. Therefore, whether you call it Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day, you’ll likely find your bank’s doors shut.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Some banks choose to remain open, especially in areas that have a significant population celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Banks Mostly Closed for Columbus Day
The majority of banks, including the Big Four (JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank), are closed on Columbus Day. They treat this day as a bank holiday, giving their employees the day off.
While the banks are closed, most ATMs will remain accessible, and online banking services are typically still available. However, transactions like transfers may not process until the next business day.
Banks Open on Indigenous Peoples’ Day
A few banks choose to remain open on Columbus Day. The most notable are Chase Bank and TD Bank.
Chase Bank is open on most federal holidays, including Columbus Day. Their branches operate on their regular schedule. Similarly, TD Bank treats Columbus Day as a regular business day.
If you’re unsure whether your bank is open, it’s always best to check their website or give your local branch a call.
Stock Markets and Financial Institutions on the Holiday
While banks are mostly closed on Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the stock market remains open. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq both operate on their regular schedule.
However, the bond markets are closed on this day. The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) recommends that the bond markets observe all federal holidays, including Columbus Day.
Businesses Open on Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Most businesses remain open on Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This includes retail stores, grocery stores, restaurants, and most other types of businesses.
However, some businesses may choose to close or operate on reduced hours, especially in areas where Indigenous Peoples’ Day is widely celebrated. It’s always a good idea to check with individual businesses for their specific holiday hours.
Retail Stores and Supermarkets Operating on Regular Hours
Most major retailers and supermarkets remain open on Columbus Day. This includes stores like Walmart, Target, Costco, and Kroger. They typically operate on their regular Monday schedule.
However, some stores may have reduced hours or be closed in certain locations. It’s always best to check your local store’s hours before heading out.
Restaurants and Other Services Available
Most restaurants and other service-based businesses (like hair salons, spas, etc.) remain open on Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day. They often see this holiday as an opportunity for increased business, especially if schools are closed and people have the day off work.
However, some local businesses may choose to close or have reduced hours in observance of the holiday, especially in areas with a strong Indigenous community. As always, it’s wise to check with individual businesses for their specific holiday operating hours.
See also:
- Is Indigenous Day a Bank Holiday? Find Out Here
- Is Columbus Day a Bank Holiday? | Federal Bank Holidays
- Is Presidents Day a Bank Holiday? Find Out Here!
- Is Veterans Day a Bank Holiday – Everything You Need to Know
- Is Good Friday a Bank Holiday? – Everything You Need to Know