A school holiday to celebrate your way

Indigenous People Day, Native American Day & Columbus Day – October 12

Graffiti+of+a+Native+American+woman+on+the+side+of+a+building+in+East+London.

Sandro Cenni (Unsplash)

Graffiti of a Native American woman on the side of a building in East London.

What will you celebrate on October 12?

On the second Monday in October, we celebrate the cultures and contributions of many Native Americans tribes. It is not celebrated in all 50 states, but Native American Day is recognized in South Dakota and is gaining popularity across the country. Various states also celebrate Indigenous People Day, while several states and locations prefer to celebrate Columbus Day.

The observance of Native American Day focuses on a celebration of the history, heritage, and culture of tribes across the United States. Native Americans cultivated and developed many plants that are very important in the world today (Native American Day).

In 1992, Berkeley, California, declared Oct12 as “Day of Solidarity with Indigenous People” and promoted programs in schools and museums on Native American culture(Indigenous People Day)

People of Italian heritage often celebrate Columbus Day on the second Monday of October in honor of his 1492 voyage to the Americas. It used to be held traditionally on October 12, but was changed to a Monday holiday in 1971. This year, it meets both requirements (Columbus Day).

While there is a lot of controversy about what to celebrate and how to celebrate, there is a reason to celebrate. That day has been granted school holiday status and there will be no classes at Armijo or other schools throughout the District.