The Controversy Columbus Day and/or​ Indigenous Peoples Day

Christopher Columbus is known as the European navigator who attempted to reach the East Indies in order to find riches, especially gold, for the king and queen of Spain. And also for himself. He accidentally landed on a Caribbean island and believing he was in the Indies, named the native people he encountered "Indians," an appellation which has been applied to all indigenous people of North, Central and South America. The term is now controversial and "indigenous people" may be more acceptable. Historians have identified thousands of distinct indigenous groups that existed throughout the Americas when Columbus touched land, each with its unique characteristics, language, and customs. These groups inhabited land from the Arctic to Antarctica and from the Pacific to Atlantic Oceans.

Columbus made four trips to the Caribbean islands during which time he gained wealth and renown in Europe, but he was a brutal colonial governor and viceroy. Within 60 years of his landing, "only a few hundred of what may have been 250,000 Taino were left on their island"1 as a result of enslavement, forced labor, and harsh discipline.

Columbus also continued to believe that he had found a route to Asia, despite the increasing evidence that proved otherwise—a denial that would severely tarnish his reputation. While Columbus obtained great wealth from his expeditions, he became an outcast and died of age-related causes on May 20, 1506 in Valladolid, Spain.

In recognition of Columbus's singular accomplishment, the United States celebrated Christopher Columbus' voyage of discovery as early as 1792. In 1934, Congress passed a statute stating: "The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation (1) designating October 12 as Columbus Day; (2) calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on Columbus Day; and (3) inviting the people of the United States to observe Columbus Day, in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies that express the public sentiment befitting the anniversary of the discovery of America." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Day)


Italian Americans argue that "the holiday honors the history of immigration, not the explorer. They, therefore, believe the name should be retained or changed to something more suitable, like Italian Heritage Day.” During the 20th century Italian Americans experienced anti-Italian immigrant bias and celebrated Columbus Day as a way to recognize and honor their contributions to American society, strengthen community bonds, and express their commitment to and love of their new country. (https://app.getpocket.com/read/3135090975)


The controversy surrounding Columbus Day has been building since the early 1960s. From 1492 until well into the 20th century, indigenous populations were ruthlessly exploited, murdered, relocated, and cheated by the European settlers and governmental bodies. In books, movies, television programs, and newspapers, "Indians" have been portrayed as savage, blood-thirsty, ragged, and shifty. Portrayals that continue to contribute to inequality, exploitation, and poverty.

Indigenous Peoples' Day began in 1989 in South Dakota, where Lynn Hart and then Governor Mr. George S. Mickelson backed a resolution to celebrate Native American day on the second Monday of October. The holiday celebrates and honors Native American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. Many states and principalities have adopted Indigenous Peoples Day instead of or alongside Columbus Day. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_Peoples%27_Day)

But the controversy rages as October 12 approaches.
Prepared by
Cheryl Stewart, MOTAL Board Member

Below are some questions to ponder

1. Does Christopher Columbus deserve to be honored even though he destroyed native populations in his efforts to gain wealth for himself and the royalty of Spain?
2. Are his discoveries, which opened the Western Hemisphere to immigration, colonization, and prosperity for millions of Europeans, significant enough in the 21st century to be honored and celebrated?
3. Is there any formal or legal celebration today, besides Indigenous Peoples Day, that draws attention to and discussion of Native American cultures, issues, contributions, etc.?
4. Would you be in favor of:
        a. Creating such a holiday
        b. Adopting an Indigenous Peoples Day
        c. Renaming Columbus Day to Immigrant Heritage Day
        d. Making October Indigenous Peoples Month
        e. Other - what would this look like?
5. How should Christopher Columbus be addressed in school curricula?