Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Discover What’s Open and Closed

Tucson residents will observe a holiday on Monday that honors Native communities, marking a departure from the traditional celebration of Columbus Day. Various state and federal government services and some private businesses will close for this occasion. While Columbus Day remains observed at the federal and state levels in Arizona, President Joe Biden has recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the same date for the past four years.

The movement for Indigenous Peoples’ Day stems from a growing acknowledgment that Columbus’ legacy is intertwined with acts of genocide against Native populations. “On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we recognize that it is hard work to heal the wrongs of the past and to change course and move forward. Together, nothing is beyond our capacity,” Biden emphasized, noting the importance of tribal sovereignty and Indigenous self-determination.

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey declared Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2020 but chose not to observe it in subsequent years. His successor, Governor Katie Hobbs, has refrained from officially declaring either holiday in the past two years.

Though both Tucson and Pima County have stopped formally observing Columbus Day, neither jurisdiction offers a paid holiday for Indigenous Peoples’ Day, resulting in local government offices remaining open. In terms of closures, post offices and some banks will not operate, while Pima County offices and courts will be accessible. The county has opted to replace Columbus Day with a holiday on Black Friday.

For Monday’s operations, Tucson city offices and courts will remain open, while Arizona state offices and federal courts will close. Tucson Water offices will continue their services, and places like the Reid Park Zoo and city Parks and Recreation will also operate as usual. Many schools are currently observing fall break, although the University of Arizona and Pima Community College will be open. Notably, the Motor Vehicle Division will close its doors, while emissions testing stations will remain in service.

Public transport services, such as Sun Tran buses, will run on a regular weekday schedule, and waste collection will not experience any interruptions. In financial markets, U.S. stock exchanges will continue trading as normal.