South Dakota does not celebrate Columbus Day, but instead celebrates Native American Day on the second Monday in October to recognize the cultural contributions of Natives and promote reconciliation between Native Americans and White Americans. Latin American countries celebrate Columbus Day, while California and Tennessee celebrate American Indian Day.
Italian explorer Christopher Columbus sailed for 70 days before getting his first glimpse of the Americas on October 12, 1492. Although he never set foot on what is now US soil, his adventures led to the first European settlements in the New world. More than four centuries after these voyages of exploration, Columbus Day became a legal holiday in the United States, parts of Canada, and cities in Italy and Spain. But there is no Columbus Day in South Dakota. Instead, the state pays homage to the people who were here long before – and long after – Colombo. Since 1990, South Dakota has celebrated Native American Day on the second Monday in October, as a way to recognize the cultural contributions of Natives. Then-South Dakota Governor George S. Mickelson also declared 1990 a “Year of Reconciliation” between Native Americans and White Americans in an effort to address the state’s painful history, such as the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890.
Celebrating Natives in the Americas:
October 12 is celebrated in Latin American countries as Columbus Day, Discovery Day or Day of the Race. All of these fiestas honor the diversity of people in Latin America and there are parades and parties.
Since 1968, Californians have celebrated American Indian Day on the fourth Friday in September.
In Tennessee, American Indian Day has been celebrated since October 31, 1994.
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