Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day fall on the same day, with businesses and services having varied hours of operation. Columbus Day, designated as a federal holiday in 1934, commemorates explorer Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas in 1492. However, it is increasingly being known as Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honor and recognize Native American communities, with President Joe Biden proclaiming it as such. The post office and banks will be closed on both holidays, while non-essential federal offices will also have limited operations. Some businesses like Chase will be open on the holiday. Columbus Day has been controversial due to Columbus’ violent treatment of Indigenous peoples, leading to the push for recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day in more locations. Approximately 29 states and Washington, D.C. do not celebrate Columbus Day, with some replacing it with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day allows for recognition of the resilience and contributions of Indigenous peoples and their ongoing fight for rights and recognition. Denouncing Columbus’ violent history and celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day provides a more complete and accurate look at history, according to the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.
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