CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – While many banks were closed Monday for the Columbus Day holiday, prominent cities around the United States, including Charlotte, recognized the day as Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead.

• Since 1937, America has honored Christopher Columbus through statues, replica ships, and books
• In the past decade, a new movement shifts the focus to the first true Americans
• As of now the Catawba Indian Nation does not host any formal celebrations for Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Since 1937, America has honored Christopher Columbus through statues, replica ships, and books.

But in the past decade, a new movement shifts the focus to the first true Americans.

And for people like Catawba Indian Nation Chief William Harris, the new focus on Indigenous people opens the door for sharing their own history with generations who may not have ever considered their impact on America.

“We as Americans can actually go back and look at what was the beginning of America and what became the United States of America,” said Chief Harris. “I think you have to include in that the Indigenous people and the important role they played."

Chief Harris says as of now the Catawba Indian Nation does not host any formal celebrations for Indigenous Peoples’ Day.