Columbus Day Dumped for Indigenous Peoples' Day in Evanston

EVANSTON, IL - The second Monday in October, the Columbus Day federal holiday, will be known as “Indigenous Peoples' Day” in Evanston beginning this year.

The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian announced Wednesday the city’s intent to declare the day, which falls on Oct. 10 this year, with the new name celebrating the contributions of Indigenous people throughout the world.

“Mitchell Museum of the American Indian and the city of Evanston are joining leaders of other progressive cities, universities and cultural institutions around the world to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day,” the announcement reads. “Celebrated on the second Monday of October, Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates the contributions of Indigenous people throughout the world, and acknowledges the many tribes who lived across America long before Christopher Columbus and waves of immigrants came to America.”

But the Museum’s announcement was a bit premature. Evanston Now reports the city itself - while still planning to issue a proclamation designating Oct. 10 with the new name - wasn’t planning to do so until much closer to the actual date. The Mitchell Museum’s press release was sent out Wednesday.

And while Columbus Day has been a federal holiday since 1937, not all municipalities are required to participate, and Evanston does not. Both city government offices and public schools are open that day and will remain open on Indigenous Peoples' Day this year.

Had the city formally observed Columbus Day, a request would need to be made to the City Council in order to change the name.

Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl was quoted in the Museum release, having said making the switch from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day is “the right thing to do” and thanked the Mitchell Museum - which will have free admission on Oct. 10 - for the suggestion.

Evanston isn’t the first city the adopt the change in the holiday's name and honorees. Others in the United States have adopted resolutions on the matter including Minneapolis, Seattle and Portland, Ore.