As Americans prepare to observe Indigenous Peoples' Day 2024 on Monday, October 14, many may still refer to it as Columbus Day, a federal holiday that has been celebrated for decades. Over recent years, however, the holiday has evolved, with a growing movement to honor the legacy of Native Americans, rather than focusing on Christopher Columbus's controversial history.
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| Columbus Day 2024 |
The Shift from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day
Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas is traditionally celebrated as a major historical event. However, more historians and Americans are pushing back against the narrative that Columbus "discovered" America. Native Americans were already living in the Americas, and Columbus's arrival led to their enslavement and suffering, fueling the call to rename the holiday.
In 2021, President Joe Biden officially recognized Indigenous Peoples' Day with a proclamation. The president acknowledged the harmful legacy of federal policies aimed at displacing Native peoples and erasing their cultures. Since then, numerous cities, including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, have joined more than 100 others across the U.S. in replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day.
What’s Open and Closed on Monday, October 14, 2024
With the national holiday falling on a Monday, many people are wondering how their daily routines might be affected. Below is a breakdown of what’s open and closed on Indigenous Peoples' Day 2024:
Banks
Indigenous Peoples' Day is a Federal Reserve bank holiday, so most bank branches will be closed. This includes major banks such as:
- Bank of America
- Wells Fargo
- Citibank
However, not all banks will close their doors. Chase Bank and TD Bank are expected to remain open for regular business hours. Of course, customers can still access services via ATMs or online banking regardless of their bank's holiday schedule.
Stock Markets
Though it is a federal holiday, financial markets will stay active. Both Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange will be open and trading on October 14.
Mail and Shipping
For those needing to send or receive mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) will be closed for the day. No mail or packages will be delivered. However, UPS and FedEx will mostly be operating on normal schedules:
- FedEx Express and FedEx Ground Economy services may have modified hours.
- UPS will operate as usual with no interruptions.
Retailers
If you’re planning to shop on Indigenous Peoples' Day, most major retailers will be open. Big-box stores such as Target, Walmart, and Kroger will welcome customers during their regular hours. However, smaller, local businesses may have varying hours, so it’s a good idea to check with them before heading out.
Government Institutions
Since Indigenous Peoples' Day is a federal holiday, most government offices and services will be closed. This includes:
- The DMV
- Public libraries
- Courts
- Government offices
School Closures and Work Schedules
Not all schools and workplaces observe Indigenous Peoples' Day. Some students may have the day off, while others could still be in class depending on the school district. Similarly, some businesses may give employees the day off, while others will operate as normal. Be sure to check with your local school and employer for specific schedules.
Conclusion
Whether you’re commemorating the legacy of Christopher Columbus or honoring the Native peoples who lived in the Americas long before his arrival, Indigenous Peoples' Day 2024 is a time to reflect on history. If you have errands to run or shopping to do, most major retailers will be open, but government offices and services will take a break in observance of the holiday.
Remember to plan ahead and double-check operating hours for banks, post offices, and local businesses before heading out this Indigenous Peoples' Day!
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