Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated to honor and recognize the cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. It serves as a counter- celebration to Columbus Day, highlighting the resilience and sovereignty of Indigenous communities and acknowledging the lasting harms, including colonization and violence, that Indigenous peoples have endured. The day celebrates Indigenous identities, restores their narratives, and empowers their descendants to honor their ancestors' survival and cultural heritage.
Origins and Significance
Indigenous Peoples Day originated as a response to Columbus Day, which celebrates Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas—a history that also marks the beginning of widespread Indigenous displacement and suffering. The holiday was proposed in 1977 at a United Nations conference to counter colonial narratives and discrimination against Indigenous populations. It gained momentum through local and state recognition, with the first official U.S. presidential proclamation by President Joe Biden in 2021.
What the Day Represents
The day is fundamentally about reclaiming Indigenous histories and celebrating their ongoing presence and contributions rather than focusing on European colonization. Indigenous Peoples Day is a day of pride, protest, resistance, and cultural celebration—honoring Indigenous resilience, sovereignty, and identity. Many Indigenous people and their supporters mark the day with ceremonies, educational events, and community activities aimed at raising awareness and fostering respect for Indigenous nations.
When and How It Is Celebrated
In the United States, Indigenous Peoples Day is often observed on the second Monday in October, the same day as Columbus Day. Numerous cities and states have renamed or replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day to shift the focus away from Columbus and towards Indigenous peoples. The celebration includes cultural events, powwows, storytelling, art displays, and discussions about Indigenous rights and histories. This day acknowledges the importance of accurately telling Indigenous stories and recognizing the profound impacts of colonization while celebrating Indigenous survival and thriving communities today.
