Discover why we should observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day, as we honor the rich history, resilience, and contributions of Native peoples while acknowledging the often-overlooked truths of colonization.
Why We Should Observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day Instead of Columbus Day. Today, I am Not celebrating Columbus Day, but instead, I am honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day—a day to reflect on the true history of this land and to recognize the strength, resilience, and incredible cultural contributions of Native peoples.
For many of us, growing up, Columbus Day was just another holiday—a day off from school, a familiar name that didn’t carry much weight. It was simply a day to recognize the voyage of Columbus and his arrival in the Americas. But as we’ve come to learn more about the history and the full story of what happened after his arrival, it becomes clear that there’s so much more to this day than we were ever taught. It’s not just about explorers and ships; it’s about the pain and suffering that millions of Indigenous peoples endured.
The Real Devastating Impact of Columbus’ Arrival
Columbus’ arrival in the Americas in 1492 is often celebrated as a moment of discovery, but for the Indigenous peoples who had lived here for thousands of years, it marked the beginning of a tragic chapter in history. The lands Columbus “discovered” were far from uninhabited; they were rich, vibrant, and filled with thriving communities.
In place of the peaceful lands where families gathered, where stories were shared around the fire, and where the scent of pine and earth filled the air, came widespread suffering.
Columbus’ arrival brought devastating consequences.
Diseases brought by European settlers wiped out populations. The arrival of colonization led to the violent conquest of Indigenous lands. Displacement and cruelty led to the loss of millions of Native lives and the collapse of entire civilizations.
Columbus, driven by greed for gold and resources, enslaved many of the Indigenous people he encountered. What followed was not a story of discovery but one of enslavement, exploitation, and brutality.
The full story of Columbus’ arrival tells us about the lives lost, the traditions threatened, and the rich, thriving cultures that were forever changed. It’s not enough to focus on the exploration itself—we must also remember the deep and lasting impact on the Indigenous peoples of the Americas.
Honoring the Resilience of Indigenous Peoples
For me, knowing this makes it impossible to celebrate a day that glorifies Columbus’ arrival while ignoring the immense harm it caused. Instead, I choose to honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day to remember the resilience of Native peoples and to celebrate the beauty and strength of their cultures that have survived despite everything.
Indigenous peoples, despite the horrors of colonization, carried forward their traditions, languages, and deep respect for nature. Their words weren’t just communication; they were a way to connect to the earth, the stars, and each other. Every syllable carried the weight of generations before it, connecting the present with the ancient past. I imagine those words spoken softly under the stars, a gentle breeze across a peaceful lake, as they passed stories, histories, and life lessons from one generation to the next.
Why We Should Observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day Instead of Columbus Day
That’s why more and more people are choosing to observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead. This day is not just about reflecting on the past—it’s about honoring the strength, resilience, and enduring cultures of Native peoples. Indigenous communities have withstood enormous challenges, yet they have preserved their languages, traditions, and connection to the land.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day offers a chance to move beyond the simplistic narrative of Columbus’ “discovery” and instead focus on the rich history and contributions of Indigenous peoples. It’s a day to celebrate the beauty of Native cultures, their deep connection to nature, and the lessons they continue to offer the world today.
The Beauty and Meaning Behind Indigenous Art and Culture
Their art—bold, striking patterns of red, black, and yellow, woven into intricate designs, is not only visually captivating but deeply meaningful. These designs represent balance and harmony, telling stories through colors and patterns that reflect their connection to the natural world and to each other. The more I learn about these artistic traditions, the more I understand how they teach us about living in balance with nature and respecting the world around us.
But it’s not just their art that carries meaning—it’s the values that these creations represent. Respect for the land, honor for the community, and the sacredness of life are principles that have shaped Indigenous cultures for generations. These values aren’t just ideas; they are woven into the fabric of everyday life, guiding how Indigenous peoples live in harmony with the land and treat it with reverence.
Columbus’ Arrival: The Untold Tragedy Behind the ‘Discovery’ of the Americas
Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas in 1492, landing in the Caribbean on an island he named San Salvador. Though often credited with “discovering” the Americas, the reality is that these lands had been home to millions of Indigenous peoples who had lived there for thousands of years. Columbus, originally an Italian, sailed under the Spanish flag because, after being rejected by other European monarchies, he eventually gained the financial backing of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. They were motivated by the potential wealth and power a quicker trade route to Asia could bring.
When Christopher Columbus set sail on his first voyage in 1492, he had three ships:
- The Niña
- The Pinta
- The Santa María
The Santa María was the largest and served as Columbus’ flagship, while the Niña and Pinta were smaller caravels. These ships carried Columbus and his crew across the Atlantic Ocean, leading to his arrival in the Caribbean.
What followed his arrival was not the beginning of exploration but the start of devastation for Native peoples. The air, once filled with the scent of pine and wood smoke, became heavy with suffering. Disease, displacement, and violence swept through these vibrant lands, wiping out entire populations.
Sailing to Find a New Trade Route
So, Columbus, driven by the promise of gold and riches, set out to find this new trade route. Instead, he stumbled upon the Caribbean and claimed these lands for Spain. What followed was not a story of discovery but one of colonization, enslavement, and exploitation. His focus quickly shifted to accumulating wealth and to do so, he enslaved and brutalized the Indigenous peoples he encountered. Under his rule, countless Native people were forced into harsh labor, their lives torn apart by violence, enslavement, and diseases brought by the Europeans—diseases that spread rapidly, decimating populations that had no immunity.
Columbus’ actions and the colonization that followed resulted in the deaths of millions of Indigenous people and the collapse of entire civilizations. Some estimates place the death toll at between 10 to 90 million across the Americas due to the combined effects of colonization. Indigenous peoples perished due to disease, violence, and forced labor, all in the name of “progress” and colonization.
What had been vibrant, thriving societies were devastated by disease, violence, and forced displacement
Entire civilizations were lost.
Cultures that had thrived for centuries were decimated.
The atrocities that followed Columbus’ arrival were heart-wrenching—murder, mutilations, and unimaginable suffering. His greed for gold and riches led to the enslavement of many Indigenous peoples, resulting in the destruction of entire communities.
Rather than marking the beginning of a new age of exploration, Columbus’ arrival signaled the beginning of the downfall of the Native peoples who had flourished on these lands for centuries.
Why We Should Observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day Instead of Columbus Day
This is why I am not celebrating Columbus Day tomorrow. Instead, I’ll be reflecting on the beauty, courage, and resilience of Indigenous peoples, who have given so much to the world despite everything they have endured. Indigenous Peoples’ Day offers us an opportunity to pause, reflect, and honor the incredible cultures and traditions that have withstood centuries of hardship.
It’s easy to forget that behind the narrative of Columbus’ “discovery” lies the reality of displacement, violence, and exploitation. But Indigenous peoples have survived. Their languages, traditions, and deep connection to the earth continue to inspire. So, instead of celebrating Columbus, I will be celebrating the strength and spirit of Indigenous peoples and honoring their legacy.
Free Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day Kids Learning Pack
Click here or the button below to download the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Learning Pack.
To honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day and reflect on this important history, I’ve prepared a special learning pack for you. This pack includes activities that you can enjoy with your child, providing a meaningful way to learn and pay homage to the rich heritage of Indigenous peoples. Inside, you’ll find:
- Language activities to explore Native words and expressions.
- Math challenges inspired by Indigenous patterns and symbols
- Vocabulary-building exercises focused on important cultural concepts.
- A fun maze activity to engage young minds.
I hope this pack helps you and your child connect with the significance of this holiday in a way that is both educational and engaging. It’s a small way to honor the past while celebrating the resilience and contributions of Native communities today.
Summary | Why We Should Observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day Instead of Columbus Day
So today, instead of glorifying a figure often praised for “discovering” the Americas, I choose to honor the truth—a truth too often hidden behind the sanitized stories we learned as kids. Christopher Columbus didn’t discover an empty land. He arrived on shores already home to millions of Indigenous peoples, communities who had lived in harmony with the land for thousands of years.
Driven by a desire for gold and riches, Columbus’ expeditions and the colonizers who followed enslaved and brutalized the Indigenous peoples who had called these lands home for thousands of years.
What many of us were never taught is that his arrival unleashed heart-wrenching atrocities—murder, mutilations, and unimaginable suffering—the scars of which still echo today.
Honor Indigenous Peoples
Today, we have the opportunity to honor Indigenous peoples—their stories, their cultures, and their invaluable contributions to the world. It’s a day to acknowledge the resilience, strength, and enduring spirit of Native peoples who have survived and thrived despite centuries of unimaginable hardship.
Let’s move beyond the simplified stories we were told in school and embrace the truth—the uncomfortable, powerful, raw truth.
Let’s make space for their voices.
Let’s remember the truth.
Let’s honor the resilience of those who have given so much to this land, even when it was taken from them.
Reflecting on the True History
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a time to reflect on the true history of these lands, to recognize the suffering and loss Native communities have endured, and to celebrate the beauty of their cultures, languages, and traditions that continue to flourish today.
By observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor the often-overlooked truths of history and the lives, traditions, and stories of those who inhabited these lands long before Columbus’ arrival. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the past while celebrating the resilient cultures that have not only survived but thrived in the face of centuries of hardship.
This day invites us to honor Indigenous communities and their remarkable contributions to the world, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for the true history of the land we live on.
I hope you’ll join me in reflecting on this history and celebrating the enduring cultures of Native peoples. Let’s move beyond the simplified narratives and embrace the truths that have too often been overlooked, using this day to truly honor Indigenous communities and their invaluable impact on our world.
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