News Summary
Los Angeles city and county will close on Indigenous Peoples Day, a holiday recognizing Indigenous communities. The observance contrasts with Columbus Day as federal offices remain open. Events are planned throughout the city, including celebrations at Cal State LA, the Autry Museum, and Getty Center. Public services may vary, but many local businesses will operate normally. This day aims to honor and educate about the rich cultures of Indigenous groups in the area.
Los Angeles city and county offices will be closed on Monday, October 9, 2023, in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day, marking a significant recognition of the Indigenous communities that originally inhabited the area. In contrast, federal offices will remain closed for Columbus Day, which continues to be observed as a federal holiday.
This dual observance highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the recognition of these two historical events, as Los Angeles officially began celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day in 2017, following a vote from both the City Council and L.A. County Board of Supervisors. The city first celebrated this holiday in 2018, solidifying its commitment to honoring the heritage of Indigenous peoples.
Despite the city and county closures, the state of California does not recognize either Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day as state holidays, resulting in state courts and offices remaining open on the same day. Meanwhile, schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) will hold classes as scheduled.
In practical terms, the U.S. Postal Service will not deliver regular mail, and post offices will be closed in honor of Columbus Day. However, public transportation systems—including buses, rail services, and Metrolink trains—will operate on a regular schedule.
The decision to observe Indigenous Peoples Day was put into place through a 2017 ordinance by the Los Angeles City Council, marking the second Monday in October as a day to celebrate and learn about Indigenous cultures and histories. Currently, more than 100 cities across the United States have made the shift from honoring Columbus Day to recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day, reflecting changing perspectives on historical narratives regarding colonization and indigenous rights.
The federal observance of Columbus Day dates back to 1892, when President Benjamin Harrison declared it a national holiday. This historical context is vital as people navigate the complexities surrounding modern celebrations and their implications. In Los Angeles, several events are arranged to provide a space for education and cultural exchange in recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day.
Planned Events in Los Angeles
Several celebrations are planned for the holiday, including:
- A multicultural celebration at Cal State Los Angeles from noon to 2 p.m., featuring performances, art workshops, and educational videos.
- The Indigenous Fashion Collective hosting events at the Autry Museum of the American West, including a free market for Indigenous designers and a fashion gala.
- Family-friendly events at the Getty Center focusing on storytelling and traditional Indigenous perspectives.
- Community gathering events organized by Indigenous Pride L.A. for Two Spirit, Indigiqueer, and Indigenous LGBTQPAI+ communities.
Public services, such as trash collection, may vary based on locality for the holiday. Many grocery stores, restaurants, and retail outlets will operate under regular hours on Indigenous Peoples Day, though patrons are advised to check with local businesses to confirm their hours of operation.
As a recognized time to learn and honor the various Indigenous communities, this day also serves to highlight the historical significance of tribes such as the Tongva, Tataviam, Serrano, Kizh, and Chumash. In addition to the events on Indigenous Peoples Day, a series of educational talks, performances, and workshops are planned throughout October to further engage the public in the rich, diverse cultures of these communities.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Los Angeles: What’s Closed for Indigenous Peoples/Columbus Day
- Wikipedia: Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- Fox LA: What’s Open/Closed on Indigenous Peoples/Columbus Day
- Google Search: Indigenous Peoples Day
- Daily News: What’s Closed for Indigenous Peoples Day
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbus Day
- LA Times: LA County Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations
- Google News: Indigenous Peoples Day celebration
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
