Question

We must recognize that progress for some led to injustice for others. The Los Angeles City Council in California has joined many other cities in replacing Columbus Day with an official holiday called Indigenous Peoples Day. The new holiday is meant to recognize the contributions, as well as the suffering, of the people who originally lived in the Americas before the arrival of Europeans. Without question, the nation must do a far better job recognizing the violent history against the country's indigenous people. California's leaders in the 1850s made no secret of their desire to exterminate the area's native people. Legislators funded anti-Indian militias, and natives were massacred. Villages were destroyed and tribes forcibly relocated.

Answer 1

The move from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day is a sign of progress in acknowledging the history and experiences of Indigenous peoples in America. It addresses past sufferings and prompts discussion on who is honored in U.S. federal holidays and how such decisions should be made by citizens. The change also reflects ongoing issues with honoring treaties and recognizing the complex history of Indigenous people.

Step-by-step explanation:

The recent shift from celebrating Columbus Day to recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day reflects a growing awareness of the historical and ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in America. The continued celebration of Columbus Day has been contentious, especially among Indigenous communities, due to the historical implications of conquest and colonization that the holiday represents. Cities like Los Angeles have replaced the holiday to acknowledge the suffering and contributions of Indigenous peoples pre- and post-European arrival. Moreover, this change emphasizes the importance of honoring those whose ancestors lived in the Americas before European incursion, highlighting the need for progress in how history is represented and celebrated.

This conversation touches on the broader historical context, such as civil rights struggles of Native Americans, the impact of European colonists on Indigenous populations, including the spread of disease and warfare, and the numerous treaties that have often been broken or dishonored by the U.S. government. Additionally, discussions about federal holidays' cultural sensitivities also raise questions about who should be honored and how citizens should participate in these decisions.