PUEBLO, CO — The federal holiday has gained both local and national attention over the years, with protests breaking out over the treatment of Indigenous people.
While not a federal holiday under United States law, President Joe Biden declared Indigenous Peoples Day in a White House proclamation in 2021. The holiday coincides with Columbus Day, a federal holiday both being recognized on the second Monday in October.
Monday, News5 set up live at the Christopher Columbus statue in Pueblo. It is a big area for protesters every year. We've seen both people for and against Christopher Columbus gather on this day in years past to express their views on this statue.
Those in support of indigenous peoples day who have long wanted the statue to be removed from its location in front of the Rawlings Library demonstrated Monday.
Others counter protested for it to stay in place.
WATCH: Columbus Day draws supporters and protestors at statue in Pueblo Monday
The statue goes back decades- it was first installed in 1905. Since then, groups of people both in support and against the statue have gathered here on Columbus Day to share their thoughts.
In 2020 and 2021, demonstrators against the statue demanded its removal, but former Mayor Gradisar denied those demands, saying he wasn't sure the city government could find a solution for the statue.
WATCH: Protest at Christopher Columbus statue in Pueblo
We spoke with some people in the past who explained why they believe it's important these demonstrations happen each year. Jerry Carlero says "To show respect to our heritage and culture and our ancestors that work very very hard respecting that whole tradition and heritage etc, so that's the whole take away that's why it causes us to come back each year."
In Colorado Springs tribal leaders and the city will be hosting a special sunrise event atop Pikes Peak, a mountain that has long been an important landscape and a deep connection to the 48 federally recognized tribes in Colorado, before becoming America's Mountain.
Learn more about the event here.
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