The second Monday in October is recognized as Columbus Day, a holiday that celebrates the explorer 鈥渄iscovering鈥� America and ushering in an era for Western European expansion.
For many Native Americans, Columbus Day has long been recognized as the 鈥渧iolent history of colonization,鈥� and the subsequent European expansion that led to the systematic extermination of the Native American Culture.
Indigenous People鈥檚 Day was designed to bring a voice to Native American Culture. First recognized in the
1990s, there are now dozens of cities across the U.S. that recognize it as a holiday either celebrated in conjunction with Columbus Day or separate unto itself. Three Colorado cities have officially passed ordinances recognizing Indigenous People鈥檚 day, they are Denver, Durango and Boulder.
Nikhil Mankekar is the Chairman of the City of Boulder Human Rights Commission. He says is a chance to give a voice to a people whose history has been misrepresented.
鈥淭he history of Indigenous people in a lot of these lands, and what actually happened has been a hidden history, it hasn鈥檛 been told, and people don鈥檛 know about it,鈥� said Mankekar. 鈥淪o, I think in cities establishing Indigenous People鈥檚 Day, it鈥檚 an opportunity to make an invisible people, and their history visible.鈥�
Mankekar says there is also an opportunity to help educate a new generation within the school system.
鈥淲e鈥檙e going and putting on events in the schools to help teach and educate kids,鈥� he said, 鈥渁nd so it鈥檚 just really opened up an opportunity for the discussion around these issues in the schools.鈥�
Boulder is highlighting several events to raise awareness for Indigenous People鈥檚 Day, including a youth cultural exchange experience, art exhibits, a Pow Wow featuring traditional dance and song and a parade. They are all focused on the stories, culture and history of the Indigenous Peoples of North America. provided financial support through grants offered by the Human Relations Commission and Boulder Arts Commission.
