Map Shows States That Observe Indigenous Peoples' Day and Columbus Day
While Columbus Day is still the federal government's official holiday, states are increasingly adopting Indigenous Peoples' Day.
The United States observes Columbus Day on the second Monday of October, a federal holiday with varying observances across states. While 30 states and three U.S. territories acknowledge Columbus Day, only 20 states and two territories consider it a paid holiday for state employees. Indigenous Peoples' Day, celebrating Native American contributions and resilience, is recognized in 17 states and Washington, D.C., with five of them, including Alabama, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island, observing it as a paid holiday alongside Columbus Day.
President Joe Biden issued a presidential proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day in 2021, but the federal holiday name remains unchanged. The debate over Columbus Day's legacy continues, with some highlighting Italian American heritage and others emphasizing the impact of European colonization on Native populations.
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