Columbus Day Will No Longer Be Celebrated in New Mexico The state will instead recognize 'Indigenous Peoples' Day' on the same annual date in October. The news comes after legislation was signed by New Mexico's Democratic Governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham. Proponents of the law say 'Indigenous Peoples' Day' better represents the state's values. So have major cities, including Los Angeles and Seattle. Other areas like Akron, Ohio are also trying to get similar bills passed. Critics of Columbus Day have said that Christopher Columbus' motives led to millions native people dying. They also say the Italian explorer's voyage started slave trading across the Atlantic ocean.