Today, we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day here in San Diego, also known as Columbus Day. President Joe Biden acknowledged this day in 2021, and Governor Gavin Newsom has been recognizing it in California for the past five years. San Diego, with its 17 tribal communities, is home to the most diverse population of Indigenous peoples in the U.S.
The San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians has been hosting a celebration at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park for the past two years. Tribal offices will be closed today in honor of the holiday. If you’re looking to participate in an event, OTSD State Historic Park in Old Town San Diego has a Native American interpretive area named Iipay ~Tipai Kumeyaay Mut Niihepok, which honors the Kumeyaay Nation and their ties to the San Diego River and Old Town San Diego.
For students, the San Diego Miramar College Student Affairs office is hosting a commemoration event today at Compass Point from noon to 2 p.m. There will be a free lunch and a performance by the Soaring Eagles. The San Diego Unified Board of Education passed a resolution in 2019 to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, acknowledging the long history of Indigenous peoples on the land where San Diego now stands.
As for business operations today, most banks will be closed for the Federal Reserve bank holiday, including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and Capital One branches. However, Chase Bank and TD Bank will remain open. Online banking and ATMs will still be accessible for your banking needs.
In terms of mail services, all USPS retail locations will be closed, with no mail delivery today. UPS and FedEx locations will be open, with FedEx providing modified services for their Express and Ground Economy services.
When it comes to retail stores and restaurants, most will remain open today. Stores like Target, Walmart, T.J. Maxx, and CVS, as well as restaurants like Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Chipotle, McDonald’s, and Chili’s will be operating. However, it’s a good idea to check with your local store for their specific holiday hours.
Government offices will be closed today as Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a federal holiday. This includes non-essential federal, state, and local government offices, as well as the DMV, libraries, and courts.
While not recognized as a school holiday in California, some districts do have the day off, so be sure to check your child’s school calendar. Overall, Indigenous Peoples’ Day serves as a time to honor and celebrate the rich cultural legacy of Indigenous peoples and their contributions to our society. Let’s take this day to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look towards a more inclusive future for all.
