What Is October 14th This Year?!



What Is October 14th This Year?! 
Darrien Brown 


     Do you know what today is? Or what every second Monday of October is? If not, it’s okay, I honestly had no idea either. It’s Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day! I’m sure you’ve heard of Columbus Day so I’m here to talk to you about Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a special day that helps us recognize and appreciate the history, culture, and contributions of Native peoples in the Americas. It’s a time to rethink the way we were taught history, especially the way Columbus Day has been celebrated in the past. Instead of focusing on Christopher Columbus, this day gives us a chance to honor the Indigenous communities that lived here long before European settlers arrived. For a long time, many people learned in school that Christopher Columbus “discovered” America, but that story leaves out a lot of important facts. Before Columbus arrived in 1492, millions of Indigenous people already lived across the Americas. Colonization—when Europeans came to the Americas—brought many problems for these communities, including diseases, violence, and the loss of their lands. Indigenous Peoples’ Day helps correct this story by recognizing the harm caused by colonization and giving more attention to the Indigenous nations who were here first. It teaches us that history isn’t just about one explorer—it’s about the many people who lived and still live on this land. For students, this means learning about the real impact of colonization and understanding that Native peoples played a huge role in shaping the history of the Americas. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is also about celebrating Native cultures, which are still alive and strong today. Even though many Indigenous communities faced hard times due to colonization, they have kept their traditions, languages, and ways of life alive. Today, Indigenous peoples contribute in many ways to the world, from art and storytelling to environmental protection and activism. For example, Indigenous communities have a long history of caring for the earth. They’ve always had a deep respect for nature and have been leaders in protecting the environment. They often see land and resources as something to share and protect, not just something to own or use up. As we face environmental issues like climate change, Indigenous knowledge about the land can help guide us toward better solutions. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not just about looking at the past, it’s also about understanding the challenges Native peoples still face today. Many Indigenous communities are still fighting for their rights, especially when it comes to land. In the past, the U.S. government took a lot of land from Native peoples, and even today, some of that land hasn’t been returned or is being threatened by development. This day, even though it is not widely popularized yet, helps raise awareness about these issues, and it encourages all of us to think about what we can do to support Indigenous rights. It’s important to learn about the struggles Indigenous peoples face today, including protecting their land, keeping their cultures alive, and having their voices heard in decisions that affect them. For students, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a chance to learn more about the real history of the United States and the Americas. In many schools, students are starting to learn more about Indigenous history and culture, and this helps create a more complete picture of our world. Some schools even acknowledge the land they’re built on, recognizing that it originally belonged to Indigenous peoples. Education plays a big role in how we understand the world, and it’s important to include Indigenous perspectives in what we learn. This isn’t just something to think about on Indigenous Peoples’ Day—it’s something we should continue to learn about all year round. By doing so, we show respect for the Indigenous nations that have shaped the history and future of the Americas. Indigenous Peoples’ Day reminds us to look at history in a new way and to honor the strength and contributions of Native peoples. It challenges us to question old stories and to include more voices in our understanding of history. For students, this is an important opportunity to learn, grow, and become more informed about the world we live in.


( Fatima Garcia in a celebration for Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Texas, in 2021. Credits: New York Times)



(Young man in a protest about changing Columbus Day in Denver, in 2016. Credits: CNN)


(Avila’s 2024-25 schedule who doesn’t recognize Indigenous Peoples Day or Columbus Day as a holiday)

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