Indigenous People and Columbus Day

​Is this a duck or a rabbit?

Multiple Select

Duck or Rabbit?

• Duck

• Rabbit

Today we're going to look at two perspectives on a discussion many people are having in the United States. You'll use your critical thinking and analysis skills to come to a conclusion on your own perspective!

It's all about perspective!

​Columbus Day Renamed?

There has been recent discussion about whether our well-known “Columbus Day” should be changed to “Indigenous People’s Day.” Currently, both holidays are celebrated on the same day. Some states in our country have switched completely, but others feel strongly about maintaining the history of the day. Let’s look at both sides of this discussion!

​ Many people recognize Christopher Columbus as an important part of history. Children grow up learning that “Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492,” and that he “discovered the new world.” He did, in fact, begin the age of exploration, inspiring others to search for new land. 

In some cities, many people participate in Columbus day parades to celebrate how he sailed for months at a time in dangerous, sometimes stormy conditions, and carried his crew safely ashore on each trip. 

Originally, Columbus day was created to celebrate Italian heritage. In the United States, there was a time that Italian immigrants were looked down upon. Many people looked to Columbus as an Italian-American icon who brought settlers to America. Our country is founded upon immigrants, and this holiday gives Italian-Americans the opportunity to pause and remember their ancestors who bravely traveled here to give their families the lives they dreamed of. This holiday also reminds other Americans of the value Italian immigrants brought to this country.

For those reasons, many people believe that Columbus Day should remain the only name for the holiday. Children grow up learning about Columbus’s courage and people around the country take pride in celebrating this holiday. Continuing to celebrate Columbus’s legacy is part of our culture.

​Continue with Columbus

Multiple Select

Why do people feel attached to Columbus Day? Select all that apply:

• They learned about Columbus when they were little

• They are proud of their Italian-American heritage

• They like having a day off

• They consider him a brave explorer who discovered the new world

Columbus day has been celebrated by countless people in our country throughout history, but some say it’s time for a change. In school, children often learn about Columbus as a “great explorer,” but what they often do not learn about is the pain that came with Columbus’s exploration.

Christopher Columbus was actually trying to find a direct route from Europe to Asia when he accidentally landed in the Americas. He thought he landed in the Indies; however, he was actually in the Bahamas. Many people celebrate Columbus as a great navigator and explorer, yet he did not find what he was searching for. 

Not only was Columbus mistaken about where he landed, he also treated the people who already lived in the Americas very poorly. Due to misunderstanding and a desire for power, he enslaved and even killed many people who originally welcomed him to their land. He forced the people who lived there to practice his religion and hurt those who did not agree with him. Some people wonder why we celebrate someone who made these choices. Instead of celebrating a person who is responsible for such events, these Americans believe that we should celebrate people who have historically faced oppression. The art, culture, and way of life that Indigenous people taught us deserves celebration, they say. 

This is why some Americans believe that “Columbus Day” should be fully renamed to “Indigenous People’s Day” instead of the two sharing a day. They feel that it is time we focus on celebrating and encouraging the culture of Native Americans and spend less time focused on Christopher Columbus.

​Acknowledge Indigenous Peoples

Multiple Select

Why do some people feel that Christopher Columbus should not have his own holiday? Select all that apply.

• He's been dead for like forever guys come on.

• His exploration took him to the wrong place

• He forced his beliefs on others

• He enslaved people

Poll

After reading these texts and making your own connections, what do you think?

• We should keep Columbus Day

• We should just have Indigenous People's Day

• We should have both

• There shouldn't be a holiday at all