Date
Tuesday
Oct
14

October 14

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Honor Indigenous Peoples' Day with a tribute to the strength, resilience, and rich culture of native peoples around the world!

Yearly Date
Second Monday in October
Type
Day
Category
Cultural

Introduction

On October 9, let's join together to recognize and honor Indigenous Peoples' Day. This day was created to celebrate the rich heritage of Native Americans and their contributions to society. It is also a great opportunity for us to reflect on our shared history and learn more about the culture, traditions, and beliefs of indigenous people around the world. From attending events that highlight native art, music, and cuisine, to volunteering in your local community – there are many ways to show your support and appreciation for this important holiday. So let's all come together to make Indigenous Peoples' Day a special one!

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Timeline

1977
Initial Proposal
The idea of an Indigenous Peoples' Day was first proposed at a United Nations conference on discrimination against indigenous populations in the Americas.
1992
Berkeley Observance
Berkeley, California became the first city in the US to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day, commemorating the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas with a perspective on its impact on indigenous people.
2014
Seattle and Minneapolis Join
Seattle and Minneapolis also made the switch to honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day, starting a national trend in US cities.
2017
First US State Recognition
Vermont and South Dakota recognize the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples' Day, becoming the first states in the US to do so.
2019
More State Recognitions
Several more US states, including Maine, New Mexico, and Nevada, officially replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day, giving greater acknowledgement to the history and contributions of indigenous people.

How to Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day

1

Read a book

Pick up a book by an Indigenous author that celebrates the history and culture of Indigenous Peoples. There are many books available, so take your time to find one that interests you.

2

Attend a celebration

Look for an event in your area that celebrates Indigenous Peoples' Day. This can be a powwow, festival, or other gathering. It's a great way to meet people, learn more about Indigenous cultures, and celebrate the day.

3

Watch a documentary

Watch a documentary about Native American or indigenous peoples from around the world. There are many available online and on streaming services, so take your time to find one that interests you.

4

Visit a museum

Visit a museum that showcases the history and culture of Indigenous Peoples. You can learn more about their customs, art, music, and history in an interactive way.

5

Support local businesses

Support local Indigenous businesses in your area. Many of them offer unique products and services that can help you learn more about Indigenous culture and traditions.

Why Indigenous Peoples’ Day is Important

A

It honors and celebrates Indigenous cultures

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is an important holiday that celebrates Indigenous cultures all over the world. It is a time to reflect on the history of Indigenous peoples and honor their contributions to society. It's also an opportunity to celebrate the current Indigenous populations and learn more about their diverse cultural practices.

B

It recognizes Indigenous rights

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a reminder of the need for recognition and respect for Indigenous rights. This includes not only basic human rights such as health, education and freedom from discrimination, but also Native land treaties, self-governance and other specific rights enshrined in international law.

C

It educates others about indigenous histories & cultures

The celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day provides an opportunity to educate others about the history and culture of Indigenous peoples around the world. It is also an important chance to highlight current issues facing Indigenous populations and learn how we can all work together to create positive change.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Oct 8
Sunday
2024
Oct 13
Sunday
2025
Oct 12
Sunday
2026
Oct 11
Sunday
2027
Oct 10
Sunday