Indigenous People's Day

Columbus Day Controversy

Resistance to Columbus Day is not a new phenomenon. It dates back to at least the 19th century, when anti-immigrant groups wanted to do away with the holiday because of its association with Catholicism (the Knights of Columbus, the world's largest Catholic fraternal service organization, had lobbied intensely for the national holiday).

The way in which Columbus Day is observed in the United States today varies quite a bit, from large-scale parades and events to total disregard. Three states—Hawai'i, Alaska, and South Dakota—do not recognize it. Numerous states and cities have either canceled Columbus Day—sometimes because of a lack of interest, or for budgetary reasons—while others have renamed and repositioned how the day will be acknowledged. For example, Hawai'i has renamed the holiday Discoverers’ Day to commemorate the Polynesian discovery of Hawai'i. In South Dakota, the state has substituted Native Americans’ Day, a public holiday that focuses on Native American history and traditions and provides an [Page 1185]opportunity for natives and non-natives to share in the contributions of native culture. In many places, powwows are hosted, with singing, dancing, and socializing.

Because Columbus was believed to be a native of Italy, a source of great pride to many Italian Americans, some have charged that Indigenous People's Day is “anti-Italian,” or have criticized it for its “revisionist” interpretation of history. Some cities have chosen to rename Columbus Day Italian Heritage Day, and it has evolved into a celebration of Italian American history and culture. Others have renounced the day entirely, calling into question the traditional depiction of Christopher Columbus as a bold explorer, and pointing to the fact that following his arrival in the Bahamas, he and his men forced the native peoples there into slavery. Still others have sought to appease everyone by honoring American Indians as part of Columbus Day, or by designating two holidays on the same date.

New Yorkers, many waving Italian flags, watch members of the U.S. Navy Band march in the city's Columbus Day Parade, October 13, 2008. The 65th annual parade in New York is a distinctly Italian American heritage celebration. Some American cities have either cancelled their Columbus Day observances or renamed them “Italian Heritage Day,” as Christopher Columbus is widely believed to be a native of Italy. Some efforts to honor American Indians as part of Columbus Day have been met with protests.

The controversy surrounding how to correctly interpret Christopher Columbus and his impact continues today. It can be seen most recently in plans to place an art installation around the statue of Columbus that stands high above Manhattan's Columbus Circle. Some Italian Americans have expressed outrage over the “living room” installation, which they say makes a mockery of the explorer and trivializes history.

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