Today is indigenous peoples day, honoring the first inhabitants of this country, and in a counter-celebration to the day traditionally honoring the explorer who famously sailed the ocean blue in 1492.

The day off was formerly known as Columbus Day, and in some places still is, highlighting a somewhat-recent change in attitudes for some concerning our nations history.

For more on this, KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas spoke with Philip Arnold, Professor at Syracuse University focusing on Native American and Indigenous Studies.