Columbus Day has been a controversial holiday for a while now with multiple perspectives on what should be done about it. Should Columbus Day be renamed to Indigenous People’s Day? Should it be completely removed as a holiday? Or should it remain a holiday and continue being called Columbus Day?

While Christopher Columbus is a prominent figure in history for showing the existence of the Americas to the world, I believe that the day should not recognize him because of his bloody actions and instead, recognize the lives of the indigenous inhabitants that were sacrificed in the making of the civilizations of the Americas.

Columbus Day is controversial because of the history associated with Columbus, who is associated with both the discovery of the Americas but also the genocide of Native Americans. 

Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the Americas was accidental. On Oct. 12, 1492, Columbus discovered the Americas. During his trip to the Americas, he took natives as slaves, forced them to find gold and other valuables for him, and decimated the native populations. 

Yet, Christopher Columbus is still a prominent figure because he led to the opening of commerce between the Americas and Europe that provided benefits for both continents. Not only that, he also created opportunities for people to find a new or better life within the Americas.

“I can see why some people would like [Columbus Day] since, whether we like it or not, Columbus was a very influential person and a lot of people have grown up being taught that Columbus was a hero and that he was very inspirational,” debate student Paloma Castaneda said. “So I understand why some people wouldn’t want to let go of that, but I also think that it’s very important for us to understand what actually happened, like the crimes, and all of the violence that occurred because he came to North America.” 

However, being hailed for the discovery of the Americas while knowing that he slaughtered and exploited the natives for his own benefit does seem disrespectful to the lives lost because of Columbus’ actions. The natives’ sacrifices should be brought to light and recognized rather than Columbus, whose legacy is filled with bloodshed and destruction.

“My family was talking the other night about how we like indigenous People’s Day because it kind of reminds you that the people that were colonized have an important story, too,” American Experience teacher Christopher Quick said. “That’s the way I think of it now, It’s to kind of pay tribute to the people who were kind of colonized, rather than the explorers who colonized them.”

Although it’s not necessary for District 211 to change Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s Day, they should still acknowledge that changing Columbus Day’s name would recognize the people that lost their lives because of his actions.