Honoring Indigenous People's Day

Indigenous Peoples’ Day, observed on the second Monday of October, is a day dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the history, culture, and resilience of Indigenous communities who have lived across the Americas for thousands of years long before European explorers arrived. The holiday serves as a time to honor the rich traditions, languages, and knowledge systems of Indigenous peoples, as well as their ongoing contributions to society, art, environmental stewardship, and governance.

The origins of Indigenous Peoples’ Day trace back to the 1970s, when Native American activists and their allies began calling for a shift away from celebrating Christopher Columbus, whose arrival in 1492 marked the beginning of centuries of colonization, displacement, and violence against Indigenous nations. Instead, advocates sought a day that acknowledges the enduring strength and sovereignty of Indigenous peoples. The movement gained momentum in the 1990s, with states, cities, and tribal nations across the U.S. officially recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day in place of, or alongside, Columbus Day.

In a 2023 presidential proclamation, President Joe Biden reaffirmed the importance of the day, stating that it was intended to “honor the perseverance and courage of Indigenous peoples, show our gratitude for the myriad contributions they have made to our world, and renew our commitment to respect Tribal sovereignty and self-determination.” His words underscored a growing recognition of the injustices Indigenous communities have endured and the need for reconciliation and respect for treaty rights and cultural preservation.

However, not everyone supports the change. Then former President Donald Trump criticized the movement away from Columbus Day, writing, “The Democrats did everything possible to destroy Christopher Columbus, his reputation, and all of the Italians that love him so much.” His remarks reflect the broader cultural and political debate surrounding how history is remembered and whose stories are celebrated.

Today, Indigenous Peoples’ Day stands as a powerful reminder to learn from the past and to honor the first peoples of this land. It is a call to action encouraging education, cultural appreciation, and solidarity with Indigenous nations whose heritage continues to shape the Americas.