Indigenous Peoples’ Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October in the United States as an alternative to Columbus Day. It honors the contributions and legacy of Indigenous people who lived in the country long before Christopher Columbus’s arrival. In 2021, President Joe Biden officially recognized the holiday, acknowledging the historical injustices and displacement that Native people have faced due to federal policies. While some states officially celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, over 100 cities have replaced Columbus Day with this holiday.
On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, many students will have the day off from school, and some office workers will also observe the holiday with a day off. However, not all businesses and services will be closed. The Federal Reserve will be closed, but the stock markets will be open for trading on Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange. Some major banks, such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank, will be closed, while others like Chase Bank and TD Bank will be open. Online banking and ATM services will still be available for those who need them on the holiday.
The United States Postal Service will be closed on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, meaning there will be no mail deliveries. However, UPS and FedEx will mostly be operating as usual, with FedEx Express and FedEx Ground Economy having modified services. UPS will be fully functional on the holiday. Most big box retailers, like Target, Walmart, and Kroger, will be open for business on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, but it’s recommended to check with local businesses for their specific hours of operation. Since it is a government holiday, government buildings such as the DMV, libraries, courts, and offices will be closed for the day.
In conclusion, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is an important holiday that recognizes and honors the Indigenous people who have long inhabited the United States. While some states and cities officially celebrate the holiday, others still observe Columbus Day. On this day, students and some office workers will have the day off, but not all businesses and services will be closed. Some banks, like Bank of America and Wells Fargo, will be closed, while others, such as Chase Bank and TD Bank, will remain open. UPS and FedEx will have limited services, while big box retailers will mostly be open. Government buildings will be closed for the holiday, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
