What is open is closed on Indigenous Peoples Day

While most people think of Halloween in October, there are two other holidays – Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day – that come first and both occur on the same day.

Columbus Day has been a national holiday since 1937 to honor the contributions of Italian-Americans. However, a growing number of people are arguing that indigenous peoples should be recognized, citing Italian explorer Christopher Columbus's use of violence and slavery to subjugate the indigenous people he encountered after landing in the Americas in 1492 .

Last year, the Biden administration issued a proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day for the third consecutive year. Commemoration of Native American history and culture is now recognized federally along with Columbus Day.

Here's what Hoosiers should know about both days and what's open and closed.

When is Columbus Day 2024?

Monday, October 14th is the date on which Columbus Day will be celebrated in 2024.

When is Indigenous Peoples Day in 2024?

Indigenous Peoples Day is also Monday, October 14th.

Is Columbus Day still a federal holiday?

Yes. Columbus Day is one of 11 federal holidays still recognized by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Some claim it honors Italian-American heritage, while others say it glorifies an exploration that led to the genocide of native peoples.

“The fact that American colonialism has been viewed as a non-issue and celebrated as a good thing throughout history is deeply problematic for any of us who live in a (Native American) community or reservation,” said Scott Stevens, the director of the Native American and Indigenous Studies Program at Syracuse University, previously told USA TODAY.

The story continues after the gallery.

What is Indigenous Peoples Day?

Indigenous Peoples Day commemorates the history and culture of Native Americans and is not a new invention. South Dakota was the first state to recognize it in 1989, and the California cities of Berkeley and Santa Cruz followed suit.

Approximately 29 states and Washington, DC do not celebrate Columbus Day. According to renamecolumbusday.org, about 216 cities have renamed it or replaced it with “Indigenous Peoples Day.” Some states recognize Indigenous Peoples Day by proclamation, while others consider it an official holiday.

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Is Columbus Day always a Monday?

Yes. Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day are celebrated on the second Monday in October.

Are federal and state government offices open on Columbus Day?

All federal and state offices in Indiana will remain closed Monday, October 14th. Offices in the City-County of Indy will also be closed for Columbus Day and Indigenous People's Day.

Will the post office be open on Columbus Day?

The United States Postal Service will be closed on Columbus Day. No mail will be delivered.

FedEx Ground Economy and FedEx Express will operate at modified times while all other services remain open. UPS delivery and pickup services will be open Monday, October 14th. However, UPS SurePost and UPS Mail Innovations deliveries require an additional business day for transportation.

Is the BMV closed on Columbus Day?

Yes. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles will be closed Saturday, October 12, through Monday, October 14, in observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day. To find a 24-hour BMV Connect kiosk near you, make an online transaction, or get a complete list of BMV branches and hours, visit IN.gov/BMV.

Will banks be open on Columbus Day?

Most banks will be closed on Monday to mark Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day.

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Will supermarkets or large stores close on Columbus Day?

Hoosiers can continue to shop at most supermarkets, such as Kroger, Meijer and Aldi, which remain open. This also includes other major retailers such as Target, Walmart and CVS. A list of locations and hours can be found on each store's website.

Will the stock market be open on Columbus Day?

The stock market is open on Monday, but the bond market remains closed.

What else is closed on Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day?

Most Indiana classrooms will remain closed on Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day, including Indianapolis Public Schools, whose fall break begins Monday, Oct. 14.

All Indianapolis Public Library branches will be closed Monday, October 14, in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day.

Will my trash be picked up on Columbus Day?

In Indianapolis, regular trash collection will continue on its normal schedule during the holidays.

Chris Sims is a digital producer for the Journal Star. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.

John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at JTuftsReports.