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Indigenous Peoples’ Day

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

History of Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Dates

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1977</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Initial Proposal</div><div class='timeline-text'>The idea of an Indigenous Peoples' Day was first proposed at a United Nations conference on discrimination against indigenous populations in the Americas.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1992</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Berkeley Observance</div><div class='timeline-text'>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.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2014</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Seattle and Minneapolis Join</div><div class='timeline-text'>Seattle and Minneapolis also made the switch to honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day, starting a national trend in US cities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2017</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First US State Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Vermont and South Dakota recognize the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples' Day, becoming the first states in the US to do so.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>More State Recognitions</div><div class='timeline-text'>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.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read a book</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a celebration</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a documentary</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a museum</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support local businesses</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div>

Why Indigenous Peoples’ Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors and celebrates Indigenous cultures</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It recognizes Indigenous rights</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It educates others about indigenous histories & cultures</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div>

Uncovering 5 Fascinating Facts for Indigenous Peoples’ Day

<div class="facts-item"><div class="facts-number-wrapper"><p class="facts-number">1</p></div><div class="facts-core-content"><h3 class="facts-title">Indigenous Peoples’ Day also finds recognition outside the US</h3><p class="facts-content">Though Indigenous Peoples' Day is often associated with the United States, it has gained international recognition. Countries like Canada and Australia also observe similar holidays to honor their native populations.</p></div></div><div class="facts-item"><div class="facts-number-wrapper"><p class="facts-number">2</p></div><div class="facts-core-content"><h3 class="facts-title">Indigenous culture is central to biodiversity conservation</h3><p class="facts-content">Indigenous peoples make up less than 5% of the world's population, but their lands host about 80% of global biodiversity. Traditional knowledge and sustainable practices often underpin their stewardship of these environments.</p></div></div><div class="facts-item"><div class="facts-number-wrapper"><p class="facts-number">3</p></div><div class="facts-core-content"><h3 class="facts-title">Over 370 Million Indigenous People Live in more than 70 Countries Worldwide</h3><p class="facts-content">There is a vast diversity among indigenous communities globally, with over 5,000 distinct groups. They speak a majority of world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 different cultures.</p></div></div><div class="facts-item"><div class="facts-number-wrapper"><p class="facts-number">4</p></div><div class="facts-core-content"><h3 class="facts-title">Indigenous art forms are remarkably diverse</h3><p class="facts-content">Indigenous art varies greatly across cultures and regions and helps preserve traditional narratives and cultural identity. Art forms range from carving, sculpture, pottery, weaving, beadwork, to storytelling, music, dance and more.</p></div></div><div class="facts-item"><div class="facts-number-wrapper"><p class="facts-number">5</p></div><div class="facts-core-content"><h3 class="facts-title">Many Indigenous Peoples still face challenges and disparities</h3><p class="facts-content">Despite their immense contributions, Indigenous Peoples often grapple with issues such as land rights, access to resources, health disparities, cultural appropriation, and maintaining the vibrancy of their languages and cultures.</p></div></div>

Indigenous Peoples’ Day FAQs

When is Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Oct 9

Monday

2024

Oct 14

Monday

2025

Oct 13

Monday

2026

Oct 12

Monday

2027

Oct 11

Monday

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