FILE - The U.S. flag flies over the Federal Reserve. (Photo by Valerie Plesch/picture alliance via Getty Images)
null - The U.S. federal government recognizes several holidays each year, including Columbus Day on the second Monday in October.
And while not a federal holiday, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is also observed on the same day to celebrate Native Americans’ history and culture and acknowledge the ongoing challenges they face.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is observed by 17 states, including Washington, South Dakota and Maine, as well as Washington, D.C., according to the Pew Research Center.
What is Indigenous Peoples' Day?
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Psaki addresses Biden's proclamation marking Indigenous Peoples' Day
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki addressed President Joe Biden's proclamation marking Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, as Indigenous Peoples' Day. Biden is the first president to sign such a proclamation.
Columbus Day was established decades ago as a federal holiday to recognize explorer Christopher Columbus’ sighting in 1492 of what came to be known as the Americas.
But in 2021, President Joe Biden issued the first-ever presidential proclamation of Indigenous Peoples' Day – saying in a statement that the day is meant to "honor America’s first inhabitants and the Tribal Nations that continue to thrive today."
With an increasing number of states and cities recognizing it, the day has pivoted from the celebration of Columbus to one focused on the people whose lives and culture were forever changed by colonialism.
Indigenous Peoples' Day is typically paired with Columbus Day or replaces the federal holiday altogether. Dozens of cities and school systems observe Indigenous Peoples' Day as well.
Are the Post Office, UPS and FedEx open on Columbus Day?
The U.S. Postal Service observes Columbus Day as a holiday, meaning there will be no regular mail delivery. Its retail branches are also closed.
Meanwhile, UPS is open and FedEx as well, with modified service on FedEx Express and FedEx Ground Economy.
Are banks open on Columbus Day?
The Federal Reserve is closed on Columbus Day, which means the vast majority of banks will also be closed in recognition of the day.
However, some banks are open — such as Chase, which says online that "branches will be open; however, this day will be treated as a holiday for purposes of online transactions."
Is the stock market open on Columbus Day?
The stock market is open. The New York Stock Exchange does not observe Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a holiday. Nasdaq does not observe it either.