Learn About and Celebrate Indigenous People’s Day

There have been numerous ways to celebrate local Indigenous history for decades, but in 2021, Indigenous People’s Day was finally formally recognized by presidential proclamation as a way to “honor America’s first inhabitants and the Tribal Nations that continue to thrive today.”

Indigenous People’s Day is observed on the second Monday in October, the same day as Columbus Day, a federal holiday that was established decades ago, to recognize both Indigenous history, local historical sites related to Indigenous history, and the challenges Indigenous people have faced and are still facing today. In 2024, Indigenous People’s Day is on October 14th.

Is Indigenous People’s Day a national holiday?

While Indigenous Peoples' Day and its significance is gaining traction from coast to coast, it is not yet a federal holiday. That said, 17 states as well as Washington, D.C., have holidays honoring Native Americans, some of which are on the second Monday in October. Even more cities and school systems observe Indigenous Peoples Day, which is a great way to start teaching children about Indigenous history. Several lawmakers in Congress have introduced legislation to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous People’s Day as a federal holiday.

How is Indigenous People’s Day celebrated?

Indigenous People’s Day is the time to recognize the painful history Indigenous people have faced in what is now the United States and to celebrate local Indigenous history and important sites. It is also a day of peaceful protest and resistance in the face of Columbus, for the return of Indigenous lands, and to honor the many missing and killed Indigenous people.

While this day brings a mix of emotions, both joy and sadness, happiness and anger, there is a cause to celebrate local Indigenous history. Many people use native food, musical and dance performances, art, and traditional ceremonies to commemorate Indigenous People’s Day, and you can participate as well.

From rallies to feasts, there will be events happening at museums and local historical sites related to Indigenous history across the country on the weekend of October 14, 2024. You can choose to celebrate on a lake or river, too, because there are ways to diversify the water by breaking down barriers in fishing and boating.

Ways You Can Celebrate Indigenous People’s Day This Year

You and your family and friends can come together to celebrate Indigenous history this year. Here are some examples of activities to participate in on Indigenous People's Day.

Acknowledge the Land You Are On

Native Americans were here, living and thriving, long before Europeans stumbled into this land during the 15th-century. You and your family can research the culture and local Indigenous history of the tribe(s) whose land you’re currently living on then share your findings and reflections over a meal because coming together in harmony with homemade food is one great way to honor Indigenous people.

Spend Time in Nature

Celebrate Indigenous People’s Day this year by spending time connecting with nature. Having a respectful relationship with the natural world is one way to honor local Indigenous history. So take a hike this fall, go for a bike ride, enjoy a camping trip, or go fishing and boating and enjoy the great outdoors together.

Invest in Local Plants

Modern agriculture often has us using imported plants and flowers that are not Indigenous to the land where they are being planted. This can do damage to our natural environment. Native American gardening techniques include organic, sustainable methods using local plants that truly belong in the ground around you. For Indigenous People's Day, plant a pollinator garden with local plants that are unique to your environment in your yard at home or as part of a group volunteer activity in a green space nearby.

Teaching Children About Indigenous History

Spend some time this Indigenous People's Day teaching children about Indigenous History by reading books written by and about Indigenous history. Also, if possible, take your kids out to support local businesses run by Indigenous people and pool money with your children to make a small donation to a local Indigenous charity.

Looking to learn more about our country’s varied and complex history? Get a jump start on Black History Month by learning how to show support in your community.