The second Monday of October recently passed and an increasing number of states, cities, and institutions have officially recognized the occasion as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, in place of Columbus Day.
This shift holds profound significance, particularly for college students, who are often at the forefront of social justice movements and deeply invested in issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The change from celebrating Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day not only acknowledges the historical injustices faced by Native American communities, but also creates a platform for awareness and education.
For many years, Columbus Day has been celebrated as a holiday commemorating Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas. However, as historical narratives are increasingly scrutinized, the darker aspects of Columbus’ legacy—including the colonization, violence, and displacement of Indigenous peoples—have been recognized for the harm they’ve done.
In contrast, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a celebration of the resilience, history, and culture of Native American communities, offering a more accurate and respectful representation of America’s past.
College campuses, typically known for being spaces that champion progressive values, have increasingly embraced this change. At many institutions, including MCLA, students and faculty are engaging in classes, discussions, and conversations to deepen their understanding of the experiences of Indigenous peoples.
The recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day encourages students to reflect on historical narratives that have been marginalized, and to critically assess how these stories shape contemporary social justice movements.
For college students, Indigenous Peoples’ Day provides an opportunity to actively participate in a broader conversation about historical accuracy, representation, and social responsibility. Many students are drawn to the liberal arts tradition, which emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and global perspectives. In this context, Indigenous Peoples’ Day becomes a crucial moment for students to engage with Indigenous issues from multiple angles—whether through political science, history, anthropology, or environmental studies.
Dr. Anna Jaysane-Darr, an associate professor of anthropology here at MCLA, says that “the most significant way to learn more about Indigenous peoples is by reading, listening to, and watching the work of Indigenous people themselves, whether literature, film, content creators, scholars, websites, et cetera.”
In order to truly understand and appreciate the experiences and cultures of Indigenous peoples, it is essential to engage with their voices directly. Their perspectives are invaluable insights which provide authentic narratives, challenging stereotypes.
The move toward recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not just about addressing the past—it’s about building a better future. For college students who are deeply involved in movements for climate justice, racial equity, and human rights, Indigenous issues are at the intersection of many of these causes.
The Standing Rock protests, for example, were not only about the Dakota Access Pipeline but also symbolized the broader fight for Indigenous sovereignty and environmental protection. These movements resonate strongly with college students, who feel their activism is aligned with the ongoing fight for Indigenous rights.
Changing Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day underscores the importance of challenging outdated historical narratives and ensuring that Indigenous voices are not erased from the conversation. It also speaks to the growing recognition that equity and justice must include the voices and experiences of Native American communities.
“Indigenous Peoples’ Day can’t just be symbolic. Recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day needs to be paired with action – or at least working for change,” Professor Darr emphasizes.
For college students, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is more than just a change on the calendar – it is a call to action. Whether through participating in campus events, educating themselves about Indigenous history and culture, or joining larger movements for social change, students have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of how we remember and honor the Indigenous peoples of the past and how we listen to Indigenous communities in the future.
At MCLA, and other institutions across the country, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is becoming a meaningful and necessary step in the journey toward a more inclusive and just society.
As students look ahead after this important day, they are reminded of their role in challenging old narratives, advocating for marginalized communities, and building a future that acknowledges and celebrates the diversity of human experiences.
