Some holidays go back generations to the very founding of our country. A few, like Christmas and Easter, go back a lot further. And then there’s a handful that have begun in the last 30-40 years.

While it was proposed all the way back in 1977 at the United Nations, it wasn’t until the late 80’s or early 90’s – depending on who you ask – that Indigenous People’s Day became a reality.

The folks in Berkeley, CA say they were the first to celebrate the new special day. On October 12, 1992, they officially celebrated the 500^th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ landing on the North American shore as Indigenous People’s Day.

But folks in South Dakota tell a different story. In 1989, the state passed a resolution, replacing the annual tribute to Columbus with Indigenous People’s Day, effective in 1990. Following the lead of the Mount Rushmore State and the traditional home of the Chochenyo/Huchiun Ohlone people, more states and cities adopted the new approach to the October holiday, culminating in President Biden’s 2021 proclamation establishing it as a federally recognized national holiday.

Sort of Official

While the 46^th President’s proclamation officially recognizes Indigenous People’s Day in place of Columbus Day, it’s not a federal holiday. That means banks, businesses, federal offices, courthouses, and most schools are open on Monday, October 9, 2023. Or not.

Because the holiday is not an official federal holiday, it is up to the various cities, counties and states to determine whether or not it is celebrated and how. For example, Florida does not recognize Indigenous People’s Day - and never celebrated Columbus Day, for that matter.

So, many offices are open, while some schools are closed. A few schools give the kids the day off but teachers have duty or professional days. Some banks may be closed, others open. Long story short, we’re not sure – but we recommend checking before you leave if you have an errand to run.

From Before, Still Remain

Indigenous Peoples' Day recognizes the resilience and diversity of Indigenous Peoples in the United States. The Native American populations are not just something of the past. They still exist and live among and around us.

Two percent of our population, or 5.2 million people, identify as American Indians or Alaskan Natives. Florida’s Seminole tribe has one of the smallest reservations in the United States, but go West and 14 states have Indigenous populations of 100,000 or more.

Unfortunately, our ancestors did not treat the natives they encountered in what would become America very well. And many early European explorers, before and after Christopher Columbus, were even worse. That’s why many felt it was time to no longer give credit to the explorer, but honor the people who were already here – and who remain.

While it doesn’t make up for what was done to them, it’s a step in the right direction.

These people cared for the land long before we got here and they continue to share responsibility for its stewardship.

Good News Pest Solutions is proud to stand with them in that stewardship. For 35 years, we’ve served the Gulf Coast of Florida, providing pest control that’s safe for your family and the environment. For more details on our products and services, including our year-round termite preventative program – Term Assure 365 – please give us a call!