Indigenous Peoples' Day, much like those whose history, culture and present-day lives are being celebrated, has had to wait for full recognition in some quarters. But there is no denying its importance in New Mexico.
It's the state with the fourth-largest number of Indigenous people (242,732), which makes up 11% of the state's population. There are 23 Indian tribes in New Mexico — 19 Pueblos, three Apache tribes and the Navajo Nation.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham officially declared the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples' Day in 2019.
President Donald Trump has expressed a preference for celebrating Christopher Columbus, but the Land of Enchantment will celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day.
"There are different things happening at the federal level, but I think it's becoming so