Here are some of the states and cities celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day instead of Columbus Day

Each year, millions of Americans celebrate Columbus Day on October 9th. But as the years go on, a lot of cities, states and universities are instead celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day.

The holiday recognizes Native Americans, instead of Christopher Columbus. Advocates argue that Columbus represents the colonization of America, not the discovery.

Native Americans were the first inhabitants of the United States well before Columbus landed in 1492. Some Native American activists even want the holiday abolished completely. The day officially became a federal holiday in 1937.

It’s worth noting that the United Nations did declare August 9th as International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples' in 1994. But some cities and states are going a step further by replacing Columbus Day entirely.

Here are some that have done just that.

Minnesota, Alaska and Vermont all celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day instead of Columbus Day.

South Dakota celebrates Native American Day.

Some of the big cities that made the switch include Los Angeles, Seattle, Minneapolis, Denver, Phoenix, and Austin, Texas.

Meanwhile, a lawmaker in Washington DC has put forward a bill that would replace Columbus Day with the Indigenous holiday.