What Is Columbus Day Called Now
The federal holiday traditionally known as Columbus Day is now officially recognized as Indigenous Peoples' Day in many states and cities. The shift reflects updated public policy and corporate practices that prioritize recognition of Native American communities. As of the latest public guidance, the federal observance still carries the Columbus Day name, but most state governments and major employers have adopted Indigenous Peoples' Day or a dual designation. This change affects how payroll, banking, and public-sector schedules handle the second Monday in October. For current federal guidance, you can check the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Federal holidays
In the financial and corporate world, the holiday is increasingly referred to as Indigenous Peoples' Day in internal communications and employee calendars. Major companies, including those in the Fortune 500, now list the day under Indigenous Peoples' Day or a combined name in their human resources portals. This affects paid time-off policies, market closures, and customer service schedules. The trend is driven by ESG expectations and public disclosures that highlight inclusive holiday naming. Investors and analysts tracking corporate governance use these naming choices as a proxy for broader social-commitment strategies. For background on corporate governance trends, see Forbes coverage of workplace policy shifts. Why more companies are recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day
State and City Variations
More than a dozen states and hundreds of municipalities now celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day instead of Columbus Day, while the federal designation remains unchanged. States such as Alaska, Minnesota, Vermont, and Oregon officially observe Indigenous Peoples' Day, and many others recognize it alongside Columbus Day. City governments in New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Denver have adopted Indigenous Peoples' Day in their official calendars. These variations affect public-sector pay, school schedules, and local business hours, creating a patchwork of observance rules. For a current list of state-level holiday designations, refer to the National Conference of State Legislatures. State holidays
School districts and public universities in these jurisdictions typically close or adjust schedules to match the local holiday name. Payroll providers and HR platforms now support multiple label options, allowing employers to display Indigenous Peoples' Day, Columbus Day, or both depending on the jurisdiction. In states where the name has not changed, many private employers still use Indigenous Peoples' Day in internal systems to align with broader DEI goals. The variation means that financial institutions must update branch hours, settlement calendars, and customer-facing notices accordingly. For details on how public holidays affect banking operations, see the Federal Reserve's holiday schedule. Federal Reserve holiday schedule
How Companies and Markets Handle the Holiday
Major stock exchanges, including the NYSE and Nasdaq, follow the federal holiday calendar and do not close for Indigenous Peoples' Day unless the exchange independently decides to do so. Most banks and the Federal Reserve observe the second Monday in October as Columbus Day, which can affect payment processing and settlement timelines. Corporate HR departments increasingly label the day as Indigenous Peoples' Day in internal tools, even when markets remain open. This creates a gap between public-market schedules and private-sector employee benefits. For up-to-date exchange holiday calendars, visit the NYSE website. NYSE holiday calendar
Payroll and benefits platforms now offer configurable holiday labels so that companies can display Indigenous Peoples' Day for employees while maintaining standard banking holidays for financial operations. Employers in states with official