The United States Embassy in Abuja and Consulate Office in Lagos have announced the closure of their offices on Monday, October 9, 2023, in observance of Columbus Day. This closure is in recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which is also celebrated on the second Monday in October in the United States.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a day to acknowledge and celebrate the history and contributions of Native Americans who inhabited the continent long before Christopher Columbus claimed to have discovered America. It is a significant shift from the traditional narrative of Columbus as an intrepid explorer and symbol of American ideals, to recognizing the violent colonization and mistreatment of Native peoples.
Columbus Day is one of the 11 federal holidays in the United States, as stated by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. It is not only the embassy and consulate offices that observe this holiday; many banks, including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank branches, also close on Columbus Day.
The movement to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day has been ongoing for decades, thanks to the advocacy of Native American activists. Many states and localities have already adopted this change, and in 2021, President Joe Biden officially recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the federal level.
The history of Columbus Day dates back to the late 1700s when it was celebrated unofficially. President Benjamin Harrison issued a proclamation in 1892 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ landing, and it was later designated a national holiday by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1934. However, the narrative around Columbus Day began to be challenged by Native Americans inspired by the Civil Rights Movement in the late 1960s. The first official celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day took place in South Dakota in 1990, and since then, numerous states and cities have adopted the holiday.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not only a day to reflect on the mistreatment of Native Americans throughout history but also an opportunity to celebrate their resilience and progress. It serves as a reminder of the diversity and depth of Native peoples and their contributions to the United States. It is a day to reclaim power, highlight issues that affect Indigenous communities, and work towards a better future.
Some Indigenous leaders use the holiday to draw attention to important issues such as climate change, tribal sovereignty, and land rights. They see it as an opportunity to advocate for reparations and empower tribal nations to be more self-sufficient.
By observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the United States Embassy and Consulate Offices in Nigeria join the growing movement to acknowledge the true history of America and honor the contributions and resilience of Native American communities.
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