Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is celebrated annually on the University of Idaho campus as a replacement for the federally recognized Columbus Day. Governments and organizations across the country have been shifting toward honoring the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples rather than celebrating Christopher Columbus’ arrival in North America in 1492.

Key points include:

• University of Idaho and Moscow: Moscow became the first city in Idaho to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2017. The University of Idaho follows this recognition.
• State Recognition: Idaho Governor Brad Little issued a proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2019.
• National Trend: Across the United States, organizations and governments have been increasingly replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
• Historical Context: Columbus’ arrival in the Bahamas marked the beginning of European settlement but also centuries of violence, displacement, and colonization of Indigenous peoples, who had lived in North America for thousands of years.