Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples Day: What Falls Church Observes

Columbus Day, the second Monday of October, is recognized as a federal holiday honoring Italian Americans. But a growing number of states and cities are marking the day as Indigenous Peoples Day, a day that recognizes Native Americans instead.

The City of Falls Church formally recognized Indigenous People's Day with a proclamation. This year, Gov. Ralph Northam issued a proclamation to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday, Oct. 12 for the first time in Virginia history. Virginia has 11 state-recognized Indian tribes, seven of which are federally recognized.

"Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates the resilience of our tribal communities and promotes reconciliation, healing, and continued friendship with Virginia’s Indian tribes. In making this proclamation, we pay tribute to the culture, history, and many contributions of Virginia Indians and recommit to cultivating strong government-to-government partnerships that are grounded in mutual trust and respect," said the governor in a statement.

The holiday in 2020 comes as the decades-long debate and controversy over Native American sports team names continues. Earlier this year, the NFL team in Washington, D.C., dropped their Redskins nickname and are now simply called the Washington Football Team. The Cleveland Indians are also considering changing their name for the first time since 1915, according to reports.

Columbus Day celebrations date back to the 18th century in some places, according to the History Channel, but did not become a federal holiday for celebration on the second Monday of October until 1971. The day continues to be listed by the federal government as Columbus Day.

While many things have not been normal because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the observed holiday will provide a break from work or school. The City of Falls Church observes Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday, Oct. 12 and will close its local government offices.

Schedules may vary for different services, particularly since the pandemic has prompted operating changes. Here are the various closings and schedule changes to know for the holiday.

City of Falls Church government offices: Closed on Oct. 12. City Council will have a regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m., available at www.fallschurchva.gov/councilmeetings.

Falls Church City Public Schools and Fairfax County Public Schools: Oct. 12 is recognized as Indigenous Peoples' Day and is a student holiday.

Voting: There will be no early voting on Monday, Oct. 12 in the City of Falls Church. A secure drop box for completed absentee ballots is available 24/7 at City Hall. Fairfax County's Office of Elections is closed on Monday, Oct. 12. The secure drop box for completed absentee ballots at the Fairfax County Government Center is open 24/7.

Courts: Arlington and Fairfax County courts are closed on Oct. 12.

Animal shelter: The Fairfax County Animal Shelter remains open by appointment only.

Community Centers: The Falls Church Community Center is closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) community centers are only open for Parent Connect services by appointment.

Fairfax Connector: Fairfax Connector bus service will operate holiday weekday service on Oct. 12. All routes will operate regular weekday service except for the following routes that will not operate: Routes 231, 232, 335, 393, 394, 395, 396, 422, 432, 461, 494, 495, 556, 585, 599, 624, 634, 697, 698, 699, 722, 724 and 985. See www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector for more information.

Libraries: Curbside Pick-Up from the Mary Riley Styles Public Library will not be available on Oct. 11 and 12. All Fairfax County Public Library locations are closed on Oct. 12.

Metrorail: Metrorail operates from on a Saturday schedule from 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Oct. 12.

Metrobus: Metrobus runs on a Saturday schedule on Oct. 12. See bus schedules here.

Post offices: U.S. Postal Service offices are closed on Monday, Oct. 12.

Recreation centers: On Oct. 12, Fairfax County recreation centers are open for regular hours.

Trash and recycling: City of Falls Church collections happen on Wednesdays. Trash, recycling, yard waste and special collections happen on Oct. 12 for county collection customers. Check with private collectors for holiday service changes. The I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex are open for regular hours on Oct. 12.