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- Cultural
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- AmericanAwarenessHistorical
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- United States
- Date change rule:
- Second Monday of October
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- 🌎
Indigenous Peoples’ Day arrives every second Monday of October, honoring the vibrant cultures, rich histories, and enduring resilience of Native American people. This day encourages reflection on tribal roots, tragic stories, and the strength that has empowered communities for generations. Take time to learn, listen, and support indigenous voices and initiatives.
Want to sponsor Indigenous Peoples' Day? Learn how
Expected Indigenous Peoples' Day Deals
For Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to supporting Native American communities and businesses. Many organizations run donation drives and awareness campaigns throughout October. Look for opportunities to contribute to groups like the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) or IllumiNative, which champion indigenous rights and narratives. Retailers like Etsy and Amazon often highlight Native-owned businesses, providing a platform for consumers to purchase authentic crafts, art, and products directly. Some local businesses may offer donation-matching programs or host educational events. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as October approaches.
Platform Guide for Indigenous Peoples' Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #IndigenousPeoplesDay. Share stories, art, and educational content from Indigenous creators and organizations.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #IndigenousPeoplesDay. Amplify Indigenous voices, news, and calls to action for recognition and justice.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #IndigenousPeoplesDay. Join community discussions, share historical insights, and promote local events.
Indigenous Peoples' Day Hero
Wilma Mankiller
History of Indigenous Peoples' Day
The first seed of Indigenous Peoples’ Day was planted at a U.N. international conference on discrimination in 1977. The first state to recognize the day was South Dakota in 1989. Berkeley, California, and Santa Cruz followed suit.
Although the day was still considered Columbus Day up to 1937, many people began calling it Indigenous Peoples’ Day to celebrate the rich culture and the lives of the Native American people.
For the Native Americans, Columbus Day was always hurtful as it glorified the violent past constituting 500 years of colonial torture and oppression by European explorers like Columbus and those who settled in America. Indigenous Peoples’ Day draws attention to the pain, trauma, and broken promises that were erased by the celebration of Columbus Day. Before his arrival, the indigenous folk were successful self-sufficient communities that sustained life for thousands of years.
Year by year, the movement to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day spreads to more and more states, towns, and cities across the United States of America.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates, recognizes, and honors the beautiful traditions and cultures of the Indigenous People, not just in America, but around the world. Their way of life and culture carries wisdom and valuable insights into how we can live life more sustainably.
Today, 14 U.S. states celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day and not Columbus Day, as well as the District of Columbia. More than 130 cities including Arlington, Amherst, Cambridge, Brookline, Marblehead, Great Barrington, Northampton, Provincetown, Somerville, and Salem also celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Many organizations are seeking to address the lack of access indigenous people have to higher education and have created scholarships to help address this.
Indigenous Peoples' Day timeline
A group of Native American tribes from Illinois, Great Lakes, and Ohio successfully persuade the British to change policies in favor of the Native Americans.
The Cherokee tribe is ordered to leave their tribal lands by President Andrew Jackson, taking the path now called the Trail of Tears.
Wovoka, a Native American, has a mystical experience and makes others join him in a ghost dance ritual for peace and prosperity.
Native Americans in the U.S. are granted U.S. citizenship.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day
Local businesses can honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day by acknowledging the ancestral lands they occupy and supporting Native-owned enterprises. Consider hosting educational workshops or inviting Indigenous speakers to share their history and culture. Retailers can feature products from Native artists and designers, ensuring ethical sourcing and fair compensation. Restaurants might incorporate Indigenous ingredients or highlight Native culinary traditions, with a portion of proceeds benefiting local tribal organizations.
Indigenous Peoples' Day FAQs
When is Indigenous Peoples' Day?
Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2026 falls on Monday, October 12, honoring the rich heritage and resilience of Native American communities. This day encourages reflection and celebration of their profound contributions.
How many Indigenous tribes are recognized in the U.S.?
As of 2026, there are 574 federally recognized Native American tribes in the United States, each with its own unique culture, language, and governance. This number reflects a complex and evolving history of recognition.
Which states officially observe Indigenous Peoples' Day?
Over a dozen U.S. states, including California, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, and Maine, officially observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2026. Many more cities and counties have also adopted the holiday, moving away from Columbus Day.
What is the significance of Indigenous Peoples' Day?
Indigenous Peoples’ Day serves as a crucial counter-narrative to Columbus Day, recognizing the historical and ongoing presence of Native Americans. It acknowledges their sovereignty, resilience, and immense contributions to society, promoting education and healing.
How to Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Read indigenous literature
Some must-read books include “A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies” by Bartolomé de las Casas, “1491: New Revelations Of The Americas Before Columbus” by Charles C. Mann, “An Indigenous People's History Of The United States” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, and “Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee” by Dee Brown.
Attend an event
Attend an event hosted by a group of Native Americans or a Native American organization. Learn more about how you can be of assistance with any issues that the group is facing.
Host a movie screening
Watch a movie with your friends and have a discussion afterward. There are a plethora of films to choose from like “Dances with Wolves” (1990), “Songs My Brothers Taught Me” (2015), “Gather” (2020), and “Indian Horse” (2017).
5 Facts About Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Female warriors
Native American women fought alongside men in battles, the most popular among them being the Buffalo Calf Road Woman of the Northern Cheyenne tribe.
Popcorn
The Indigenous Americans were the first to domesticate the strains of maize that produced popcorn thousands of years ago.
Maria Tallchief
The first Native American (and American) to dance at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow and with the Paris Opera Ballet was Maria Tallchief.
Hockey
The Native American tribes of Foxes, Saux, and Assiniboine played a game called shinny, which is where hockey came from.
The sequoia tree
The sequoia tree is named after the revered Cherokee leader Sequoyah, who created an alphabet for his people.
Why Indigenous Peoples’ Day Is Important
It celebrates the original inhabitants
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a holiday that celebrates the Native Americans, the original inhabitants of North America.
It recognizes the indigenous cultures
Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the beautiful indigenous traditions, cultures, and lives all around the world.
It stands in solidarity with the indigenous people
We take a stand for and support the indigenous people on this day. We should also offer our support to those who invest and uplift the indigenous communities.
Indigenous Peoples' Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 13 | Monday |
| 2026 | October 12 | Monday |
Social Media Tips for Indigenous Peoples' Day
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