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Columbus Day Or Indigenous Peoples Day?

1492, Christopher Columbus (1446 - 1506) lands on Watling Island and meets the natives, while three of his shipmates erect a cross. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
1492, Christopher Columbus (1446 - 1506) lands on Watling Island and meets the natives, while three of his shipmates erect a cross. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Since 1937, the second Monday of October has been a federal holiday honoring the 15th century explorer Christopher Columbus. But Seattle, Minneapolis and Portland, Ore. are among the growing list of American cities that officially observe Indigenous Peoples Day instead.

David Perry, an associate professor of history at Dominican University in Illinois, wrote a piece for CNN about the Italian explorer and how to explain this holiday to children. He joins Here & Now‘s Jeremy Hobson to discuss what Columbus’ legacy means today and ways to broach topics like colonialism and genocide with kids.

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