Michigan Ditches Columbus Day in Favor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day

A growing number of states are abandoning Columbus Day observances in favor of Indigenous Peoples' Day. This year, Michigan joins the list of states that are recognizing those people that were displaced when Christopher Columbus "discovered" America.

But here's the hitch:  Technically, Columbus Day is a federal holiday. You may find that some government offices and even certain banks are closed to observe the soon-to-be-defunct holiday. But individual states have the right not to observe a federal holiday if they so choose.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer made the official proclamation:

I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 14, 2019, as Indigenous Peoples Day in Michigan to uplift our country’s indigenous roots, history, and contributions.

A total of 13 US states have opted to abolish Columbus Day in favor of something less politically charged.