What Indigenous Peoples’ Day Really Means
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a movement to reframe history, uplift native voices, and challenge long-standing colonial narratives. Once overshadowed by Columbus Day, the second Monday in October is now starting to serve as a reminder of resilience, culture, and sovereignty.
Across the United States, activists, lawmakers, and Indigenous communities are working to reclaim the holiday, pushing for recognition and celebration of traditions that have endured for centuries while supporting Indigenous futures.
The Day’s Origins: From Columbus to Recognition
Columbus Day was officially created as a federal holiday in 1968 by President Johnson. However, it has earlier roots, including a one-time national proclamation by President Benjamin Harrison in 1892 and a 1934 presidential proclamation issued by Franklin D. Roosevelt.
It was meant to celebrate the explorer Christopher Columbus, who came from Spain to discover the Americas back in 1492. However, the holiday has always been a sore spot for native cultures who suffered famine, colonialization, disease, and the deaths of millions.
As a result, lawmakers in 2023 from the House and Senate reintroduced a bill to establish Indigenous Peoples’ Day to replace Columbus Day. The bill has 56 co-sponsors in the House and several in the Senate, and multiple tribes, including the Cherokee and Navajo nations, have expressed their support.
Pivoting From Columbus-Centered Narratives to Indigenous Voices
Now, instead of Columbus-centered narratives of colonialism, famine, and genocide, the shift focuses on hearing indigenous voices and a recognition of their culture.
It includes a message from former President Biden 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.”
Key Meanings: Standing Against Colonialism and Celebrating Native Culture
Gaining recognition for Indigenous Peoples’ Day didn’t happen overnight, and it's not over yet. It has required activists in cities around the US who have been protesting for years to gain recognition for native cultures through official and unofficial celebrations to resist colonialism and preserve their native cultures.
These celebrations help show support against colonialism and discrimination, and celebrate the great diversity of our great nation. Bring along an EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus to your next celebration so you can stay powered up, run lights, music, or simply recharge devices to help keep the celebrations going.
Public Observances and Civic Recognition
Several states no longer observe Columbus Day, including Alaska, California, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, and Washington, as well as the District of Columbia.
Many states and cities observe Indigenous Peoples' Day, while others have Native American Day (South Dakota) or have simply stopped observing Columbus Day as an official holiday. Regardless of what it’s called, most post offices, government offices, and libraries are closed, and in some cities, trash and recycling collection are also suspended.
Similar days exist elsewhere in the world. Canada has recognized National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 since 1996. The country also honored the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, 2021, including an apology for the suppression and forced assimilation that native communities in Canada endured during colonialism. Statues of Columbus have also been taken down in various cities around the world.
DELTA 3 Max Plus Portable Power Station
Implications for Policy and the Road Ahead
While President Biden issued the first presidential proclamation of Indigenous Peoples' Day in 2021, it has not yet been designated as a federal holiday, unlike Columbus Day.
Many people feel that a mere observance doesn’t do enough, and also point out that, unlike other countries, no American president has apologized for the treatment of their native peoples.
Still, Jonathan Nez, the former president of the Navajo Nation, stated in 2021 that “Transforming Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day will encourage young Navajos to have pride in the place and people they come from and the beauty they hold within.”
Some successful ongoing legislation and efforts include the establishment of a Missing and Murdered Unit within the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and a multi-year investigation by the Justice Department into the Minneapolis Police Department, which said officers there had routinely discriminated against Black and Native American people.
Many native cultures in America continue to fight for their lands, waters, and way of life. They say they’ve struggled for so long that they feel they’ve been made invisible by society, relegated to relics in a history book rather than real people still facing real struggles.
Still, supporters say the fight for recognition helps bring light to indigenous people disproportionately affected by climate change, gender violence, health issues, and native lands affected by mining, drilling, and other projects.
Ultimately, the future of Indigenous Peoples’ Day and the policies that surround it will be measured by how much they uplift living communities, not just honor past ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Indigenous Peoples Day Represent?
Indigenous Peoples' Day commemorates the history, culture, resilience, and sovereignty of native peoples, serving as a platform to protest against the ongoing impacts of colonialism and discrimination, while also celebrating Indigenous communities, their strength, traditions, languages, and ways of life.
What States No Longer Celebrate Columbus Day?
States that no longer observe Columbus Day include Alaska, California, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, and Washington, as well as the District of Columbia. Some states celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day, while others observe Native American Day as a holiday.
Final Thoughts
Indigenous Peoples’ Day reminds us that history is not a fixed point in time. It can be re-examined, retold, and redefined through voices previously left out. By replacing Columbus-centered narratives with an acknowledgment of Native cultures and resilience, the holiday takes a step toward justice and visibility.
From local observances to national recognition, it honors Indigenous sovereignty while highlighting the challenges that still remain in a spirit of solidarity and remembrance. If your plans include gathering with others, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus ensures your lights and essentials stay powered to keep the celebration alive after the sun sets.