Indigenous Peoples’ Day, observed on the second Monday of October, honors the cultures, histories, and contributions of Native American and Indigenous communities in the United States. The day serves as a counter-narrative to Columbus Day, which celebrates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492. While Columbus’s journey is often credited with the “discovery” of the Americas, this narrative ignores the pre-existing presence and rich cultures of Indigenous peoples who inhabited these lands for thousands of years.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day seeks to recognize the injustices faced by Native Americans due to colonization, including forced displacement, cultural suppression, and genocide. Celebrating this day encourages a more inclusive and accurate reflection on U.S. history, honoring the resilience and contributions of Indigenous communities to art, politics, environmental stewardship, and more.
The movement to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day began in 1977 at a United Nations-sponsored conference on discrimination against Indigenous populations. Today, it’s celebrated in many states and cities across the U.S., promoting education, reconciliation, and respect for Indigenous rights and traditions.
