BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – States and communities across the country are celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Also known as Columbus Day, the day recognizes the contributions of those who lived here before Columbus claimed to have discovered it.
In 2021, President Joe Biden officially signed a proclamation that federal policies then sought to displace Native American people.
Since then, more than 100 cities have replaced Columbus Day altogether, with Vermont doing so back in 2019.
Aside from the historical significance, many banks, schools, and state and town offices are closed.
For our region, state offices will only be closed in New York for the day.