American Indian Resources

Frequently Asked Questions - Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples' Day

Question: Does Utah recognize and celebrate Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples' Day?

Utah Perspective:


Columbus Day is listed as a state holiday in Utah. The Governor of Utah is authorized to declare additional days, and some communities in the state celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day. For instance, The Salt Lake City Council and Mayor of Salt Lake City declared the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples' Day in Salt Lake City as of October 11, 2021.   Joint resolution recognizing second Monday in October as Indigenous People’s Day in SLC


National Perspective: 

During his administration, President Joe Biden issued proclamations to commemorate Indigenous Peoples' Day. These proclamations are meant to convey respect and do not make the day an official federal holiday.

In the Classroom:

How can we talk about Indigenous People’s Day and Columbus Day in a way that respects all students?

  • Explore a variety of perspectives about the “discovery” of the Americas by explorers such as Columbus. Resources like "Unlearning Columbus Day Myths: Celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day" may help.

  • Learn about the effects of European colonialism on Native American groups in the northern and southern hemispheres. “The Great American Bison” is a lesson on how the transcontinental railroad impacted bison herds and the people who depended on them.

  • Engage with Indigenous people in your community. Contemporary Native Americans are eager to share their culture and history, and they can share perspectives students might not otherwise have access to.  Invite a Native teaching artist to your classroom!

  • Encourage students to explore primary source material and their own points of view through lessons such as Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day?

     

 


the history and contributions of the people who were here first.

Utah Perspective – Darren Parry, Shoshone Elder Interview
Some states and hundreds of cities, including Salt Lake City, commemorate Indigenous Peoples' Day rather than or alongside Columbus Day.

 

National Perspective - National Public Radio
Indigenous People's Day is becoming a more widely recognized holiday around the country. Two educators share how they approach teaching people about the significance of the day.

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