Indigenous Peoples Day is a holiday celebrated on the first Monday in October. Historically, the United States recognized this as Columbus Day in recognition of the Italian explorer.
Photo: Courtesy Doña Ana County
All Area Public Schools (except Hatch Valley Public Schools) and NMSU WILL BE OPEN AND OPERATING.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) and most banks will be CLOSED in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day (Columbus Day).
Doña Ana County
Most Doña Ana County offices will close Monday Oct. 14 in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Emergency services and law enforcement in the field will not be affected.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a bill in 2019 replacing the holiday honoring Christopher Columbus, with a day celebrating members of the indigenous community. Columbus Day remains the federally recognized holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October.
Doña Ana County pays respect to the land, the people and the communities that contributed to what we know today as the State of New Mexico.
County offices will resume regular business hours at 8 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 15.
City of Las Cruces
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Closures
In observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, most City of Las Cruces offices will be closed Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. However, all emergency services, including police and fire will operate as usual.
City offices and facilities closed on Indigenous Peoples’ Day includes:
- A. Fielder Memorial Safe Haven.
- Castaneda Service Center (Parks & Recreation Administration Offices)
- City Hall.
- East Mesa Recreation Center.
- Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center.
- Youth Development & Diversion Learning Center
- Las Cruces Museum System, including Branigan Cultural Center, the Museum of Art, Museum of Nature and Science, and the Railroad Museum, will be closed.
- Las Cruces Public Libraries, including Thomas Branigan Memorial Library and branch libraries at Munson Center and Sage Café, will be closed.
- Rio Grande Theatre.
- All Senior Programs facilities and services.
- South Central Solid Waste Authority administrative offices.
- Visit Las Cruces.
Operating, or open, with hours, includes:
- Solid waste collection will occur for residential and commercial customers who are scheduled for that service on Monday, Oct. 14.
- The Foothills Landfill, 555 S. Sonoma Ranch Boulevard, will operate its usual hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- RoadRUNNER Transit and Dial-A-Ride will operate with regular service levels. All City transit facilities will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- South Central Solid Waste scheduled curbside collection services, Transfer Station, 2865 W. Amador Ave., and the Corralitos Landfill will be open with regular hours of operation.
- Meerscheidt Recreation Center – Open 1 – 9 p.m. (Youth Basketball League games scheduled 5 – 9 p.m.)
- Las Cruces Natatorium Open 7:30 a.m. to noon
- Regional Aquatic Center Open 7:30 a.m. to noon
New Mexico Department of Health
Public health offices will observe Indigenous People’s Day
NMHealth Helpline available during holiday
State public health offices and administrative offices will be closed Monday, Oct. 14 in observance of Indigenous People’s Day.
All New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) offices will reopen as regularly scheduled Tuesday, Oct. 15.
The NMHealth Helpline, 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) will be available during regular business hours through the holiday weekend: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Monday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Helpline is staffed by nurses for health questions, health care connections and provider support.
