What Is Indigenous Peoples’ Day? Understanding the History, Meaning, and Importance

Each October, the United States confronts a complex aspect of its history. Traditionally, the second Monday of October has been observed as Columbus Day, commemorating the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas in 1492. But in recent years, a growing number of people, cities, states, and institutions have chosen instead to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a holiday that honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous communities.

So, what is Indigenous Peoples' Day, and how is it different from Columbus Day? Let’s explore the origins of both holidays, the meaning of “Indigenous,” and why this shift in perspective matters today.

What Is the Difference Between Indigenous Peoples' Day and Columbus Day?

The difference between Indigenous Peoples' Day and Columbus Day is both historical and philosophical.

• Columbus Day was first recognized as a federal holiday in 1937, meant to honor Christopher Columbus’s "discovery" of the Americas. For many Italian Americans, Columbus Day also represents cultural pride and immigrant heritage.
  

• Indigenous Peoples' Day, on the other hand, challenges the narrative that Columbus "discovered" a land that was already inhabited by thriving Indigenous nations. Instead of celebrating colonization, this holiday centers the voices, experiences, and resilience of Native peoples.
  

While Columbus Day celebrates exploration and conquest, Indigenous Peoples’ Day acknowledges colonization’s devastating impact on Native communities, including displacement, violence, and erasure. The move toward Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not about erasing history; it’s about telling a fuller, more honest story.

What Is Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

First proposed in 1977 at a United Nations-sponsored conference on discrimination against Indigenous populations, the holiday began to gain traction in the United States during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. South Dakota was one of the first states to formally replace Columbus Day with Native American Day in 1990.

Today, many U.S. states, cities, school districts, and organizations observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, even as Columbus Day remains a federal holiday.

The purpose of Indigenous Peoples’ Day is multifaceted:

• To recognize and celebrate Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contributions.

• To acknowledge historical injustices, including genocide, forced relocation, and cultural erasure.

• To amplify Indigenous voices and experiences, both past and present.

• To foster education and understanding around Indigenous histories and contemporary issues.

  
  

What Does “Indigenous” Mean?

The term “Indigenous” refers to the original inhabitants of a given region and their descendants. In the context of the United States, Indigenous peoples include Native American tribes, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians, among others.

The word emphasizes a deep-rooted connection to land, ancestry, and culture that predates colonization. Indigenous communities are diverse, with unique languages, governance systems, spiritual practices, and ways of life.

When to Use “Indigenous Peoples” vs. “Native American”

The terms Indigenous Peoples, Native American, American Indian, and First Nations are often used interchangeably in the U.S., but context matters:

• Indigenous Peoples is a more global, inclusive term that acknowledges the shared experiences of colonization among original peoples worldwide.

• Native American typically refers to the Indigenous peoples within the continental United States.

• American Indian is still used in legal contexts (like the Bureau of Indian Affairs) but may be considered outdated by some communities.

• When possible, it is best to refer to individuals by their specific tribal affiliation, such as Navajo Nation, Cherokee, or Lakota, as this respects the sovereignty and diversity of Native nations.

  
  

The key is to use respectful, accurate language and to listen to how people self-identify.

Is Indigenous Peoples' Day a Federal Holiday?

As of 2025, Indigenous Peoples' Day is not a federal holiday, but the landscape is changing.

In 2021, President Joe Biden became the first U.S. president to formally recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day with a presidential proclamation, stating:

However, Columbus Day remains a federal holiday, meaning federal offices, banks, and many schools still close in its observance.

That said, more than 20 states and hundreds of cities and institutions now formally recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, either replacing Columbus Day or celebrating both.

Some notable examples:

• South Dakota celebrates Native American Day.

• Maine, New Mexico, Alaska, and Vermont have officially adopted Indigenous Peoples’ Day in place of Columbus Day.

• Cities like Seattle, Los Angeles, and Denver have followed suit.

The movement continues to grow, reflecting a broader societal effort toward truth, reconciliation, and inclusion.

Why Indigenous Peoples' Day Matters

Recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day is more than symbolic; it’s a step toward correcting historical narratives and acknowledging ongoing injustices.

Many Americans were taught a one-sided version of history in school - one where Columbus “discovered” America and colonization was a heroic endeavor. This narrative ignores the violent reality of European expansion: disease, war, land theft, broken treaties, and forced assimilation inflicted upon Native communities.

Observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day helps us:

• Educate future generations with a fuller understanding of American history.

• Uplift Indigenous communities, whose voices have too often been silenced.

• Support Indigenous rights to land, language, education, and cultural preservation.

• Encourage meaningful action, such as land acknowledgments, supporting Native-led organizations, or advocating for policy change.

It’s also an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and contributions of Indigenous peoples in art, science, governance, environmental stewardship, and much more.

How Can You Honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

Whether or not your city or state officially observes Indigenous Peoples' Day, there are many ways to engage meaningfully:

1. Educate yourself about the history and current issues facing Indigenous communities.

2. Attend local events like powwows, art shows, or educational panels led by Native voices.

3. Support Indigenous-owned businesses and artists.

4. Incorporate land acknowledgments into meetings or gatherings.

5. Advocate for recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day in your workplace or school district.

6. Donate to Native-led organizations focused on cultural preservation, health equity, or land defense.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is about truth. It’s about honoring the First Peoples of this land - not just in the past, but in the present and future. And it’s about shifting our national story toward one that recognizes resilience, diversity, and justice.

Whether you observe Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, or both, this time of year presents an opportunity to reflect on our shared history and the values we wish to uphold moving forward.

Let this holiday be a call to listen, learn, and act. A more inclusive future starts with honest conversations and meaningful respect.