As Monday, October 12 arrives, many residents find themselves navigating a complex landscape of closures and celebrations as the country observes both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day. While Columbus Day remains a long standing federal holiday intended to honor Christopher Columbus’ voyages, there has been a significant shift toward recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day. This movement seeks to center the contributions of Native Americans and acknowledge the historical hardships brought by colonization, a transition highlighted by President Joe Biden becoming the first U.S. president to formally issue a proclamation for the occasion in 2021.
For families and students, the impact is most felt in local classrooms. In cities like Chicago, where the Board of Education officially replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day on its calendar, schools will remain closed. City offices and various state agencies across Illinois are also shuttered, meaning those hoping to visit the DMV or handle business at the Secretary of State’s Office will have to wait until Tuesday. Similarly, courts throughout the state will be closed for the observation.
Financial and postal services present a mixed bag for those trying to run errands. Because the Federal Reserve recognizes the date as a holiday, several banks may be closed; notably, while Chase Bank branches stay open, they treat online transactions as if it were a weekend. The stock market continues to trade normally on Monday, though investors should note that the U.S. bond market will be offline. Meanwhile, your mail will likely stay in the bin since post offices are closed nationwide, although private carriers like FedEx and UPS continue their usual pickup and delivery operations.
Despite these closures, plenty of activity is planned for those looking to get out of the house. Libraries in Illinois generally remain open to provide resources during the break. Those interested in cultural reflection can attend events at Evanston’s Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum or Chicago’s Field Museum. For others celebrating Italian heritage, the traditional Columbus Day Parade kicks off around late morning near Dearborn Street and Wacker Drive, ensuring that different perspectives of history are visible across the city streets simultaneously.
