Indigenous Peoples’ Day, also known as Columbus Day in the United States, is celebrated on the second Monday of October. The holiday recognizes the contributions and legacy of the Indigenous peoples who lived in the Americas long before Christopher Columbus arrived. In 2021, President Joe Biden formally recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day, acknowledging that federal policies historically sought to assimilate and displace Native people and eradicate their cultures. Some states officially celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, while more than 100 cities have replaced Columbus Day with the holiday.
On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, many students will have the day off from school, and some office workers may also have the day off. However, for those who need to run errands, it is important to know what will be open and closed. While it is a Federal Reserve bank holiday, the Nasdaq and New York Stock Exchange will be open for trading. Branches of major US Banks such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank will be closed, while Chase Bank and TD Bank will be open. Online banking and ATM services will remain available for those who need them.
The United States Postal Service will be closed on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, with no mail or package deliveries taking place. However, UPS and FedEx will mostly be operating as usual, with some modified service from FedEx Express and FedEx Ground Economy. Most big box retailers like Target, Walmart, and Kroger will be open, but it is advisable to check with local businesses for their specific operating hours. Government buildings, including the DMV, libraries, courts, and offices, will be closed in observance of the holiday.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day serves as a time to honor and remember the Indigenous peoples who were the original inhabitants of the Americas. By recognizing their contributions and legacy, the holiday highlights the rich history and culture of Native American communities. President Biden’s proclamation acknowledging Indigenous Peoples’ Day reflects a growing movement to replace Columbus Day with a holiday that more accurately represents the experiences and perspectives of Indigenous peoples. As more states and cities adopt Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the holiday continues to gain traction across the country.
Despite the holiday observance, many essential services will continue to operate on Indigenous Peoples’ Day to ensure that the needs of the public are met. While some businesses and government offices will be closed, financial markets and select banks will remain open. Delivery services like UPS and FedEx will also be available for those who need to send or receive packages. This blend of holiday celebration and essential service provision reflects the importance of recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day while maintaining the functionality of daily life for many Americans.
