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The Buffalo Bills released a social media post Monday to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day instead of Columbus Day, and the decision sparked some pushback among fans.
Indigenous Peoples Day is seen by activists as a counter-celebration against Columbus Day. It was created to highlight the suffering of North America’s indigenous tribes under European colonization.
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Buffalo Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa (57) pressures New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, September 5, 2025, in Orchard Park, New York. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Columbus Day celebrates the arrival of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492.
Buffalo, New York itself celebrates both days. The bills only sent a message about Indigenous Peoples’ Day and noted that it was Thanksgiving in Canada.
President Donald Trump signed a proclamation last week to honor Columbus.
“Today we have your Columbus Day proclamation for Monday, which we are signing a little early,” White House Chief Secretary Will Scharf told Trump on Thursday before the monthly Cabinet meeting.
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Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox (88) is hit by New England Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane (14) after a catch during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, September 5, 2025, in Orchard Park, New York. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
“Columbus, of course, discovered the New World in 1492. He was a great Italian explorer. He sailed his three ships, the Nina, the Pinto and the Santa Maria, across the Atlantic Ocean and landed in what is now the Caribbean. represented,” he continued.
Applause rang out in the room as Trump added: “In other words, we call it Columbus Day. »
Trump continued his remarks Thursday by saying, “We’re back, Italians,” to applause.
“It was the press that applauded,” Trump joked of the warm reception to the proclamation. “I’ve never seen this happen. The press actually burst into applause. Good. Columbus Day. We’re back. Columbus Day. We’re back, Italians. We love Italians.”
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (1) celebrates his touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, September 5, 2025, in Orchard Park, New York. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Columbus Day has been recognized as a federal holiday since 1971. In recent years, activists have attempted to get government officials to disassociate themselves from Columbus. They say it celebrates colonialism and the genocide of indigenous peoples – in favor of Native Americans. Activists have also worked to remove statues of Columbus from cities, including toppling these statues during the 2020 riots.
