Indigenous Peoples Day
October 12
Indigenous Peoples Day is observed on the second Monday of October each year in the United States. In 2026, it falls on Monday, 12 October. The day celebrates the cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the Americas, serving as an alternative to Columbus Day, which falls on the same date.
The Story Behind Indigenous Peoples Day
The movement to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day has its roots in the late 20th century. In 1977, a delegation of Indigenous nations proposed the idea at the United Nations International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas, held in Geneva, Switzerland. The concept gained further momentum in 1990 when South Dakota became the first US state to rename Columbus Day as “Native American Day.”
The city of Berkeley, California, became the first municipality to officially adopt Indigenous Peoples Day in 1992, the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s arrival in the Americas. The timing was significant — while many planned celebrations for the quincentenary, Indigenous communities and their allies used the occasion to draw attention to the devastating consequences of European colonisation, including displacement, disease, forced assimilation, and genocide.
The movement accelerated in the 2010s. Minneapolis and Seattle adopted Indigenous Peoples Day in 2014, and many other cities and states followed. In October 2021, President Joe Biden became the first US president to formally recognise Indigenous Peoples Day with a presidential proclamation. While the federal Columbus Day holiday has not been abolished, the dual recognition allows communities to choose how they observe the day. As of 2025, more than 200 cities and over a dozen states have adopted Indigenous Peoples Day in some form.
The day connects with broader efforts to honour Indigenous heritage, such as World Day for Cultural Diversity, which promotes understanding between cultures globally.
When and Where is Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrated?
Indigenous Peoples Day is observed on the second Monday of October. In 2026, that falls on Monday, 12 October. Because the date changes each year, here are the upcoming dates:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Monday, 12 October |
| 2027 | Monday, 11 October |
| 2028 | Monday, 9 October |
| 2029 | Monday, 8 October |
| 2030 | Monday, 14 October |
Traditions and Customs
- Cultural festivals and powwows — Many communities host powwows, dance performances, and cultural festivals featuring traditional music, art, and storytelling from various Indigenous nations.
- Land acknowledgements — Schools, universities, and organisations use the day to formally acknowledge the Indigenous peoples whose traditional lands they occupy.
- Educational programming — Museums, libraries, and schools offer lectures, film screenings, and exhibitions focused on Indigenous history and contemporary issues.
- Community gatherings — Indigenous communities often hold ceremonies, feasts, and gatherings to celebrate their heritage and strengthen cultural bonds.
- Art and storytelling — The day provides a platform for Indigenous artists, writers, and storytellers to share their work with wider audiences.
Ways to Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day
- Attend a local event — Check for powwows, cultural festivals, or educational events in your area. Many cities host public celebrations on or around the day.
- Read works by Indigenous authors — Explore books by authors such as Tommy Orange, Louise Erdrich, Robin Wall Kimmerer, and Joy Harjo to gain deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives.
- Support Indigenous-owned businesses — Seek out and purchase from Indigenous-owned shops, restaurants, and artisans. Your support directly benefits Indigenous communities.
- Learn whose land you are on — Use resources like native-land.ca to discover which Indigenous nations traditionally inhabited the land where you live and work.
- Donate to Indigenous organisations — Support groups such as the National Congress of American Indians, the American Indian College Fund, or local tribal organisations.
- Watch Indigenous films and documentaries — Films like Killers of the Flower Moon, Smoke Signals, and documentaries about Indigenous history offer powerful insights into past and present experiences.
Facts and Figures
- As of 2025, more than 200 US cities and over a dozen states have formally adopted Indigenous Peoples Day.
- There are 574 federally recognised tribal nations in the United States.
- The US Indigenous population is approximately 9.7 million, or about 2.9% of the total population, according to 2020 Census data.
- Berkeley, California, was the first US city to adopt Indigenous Peoples Day in 1992.
- South Dakota was the first state to rename Columbus Day, adopting “Native American Day” in 1990.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Indigenous Peoples Day?
Indigenous Peoples Day is an annual observance on the second Monday of October that celebrates the cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the Americas. It is observed as an alternative to Columbus Day.
When is Indigenous Peoples Day in 2026?
Indigenous Peoples Day falls on Monday, 12 October 2026.
Is Indigenous Peoples Day a federal holiday?
It is recognised by presidential proclamation alongside Columbus Day, which is a federal holiday. Whether the day is observed as Indigenous Peoples Day or Columbus Day varies by state and municipality.
Spread the Word
Share Indigenous Peoples Day with your community using #IndigenousPeoplesDay and #IndigenousPeoplesDay2026. Whether you attend a cultural event, read an Indigenous author, or simply learn about the history of the land you live on, every act of awareness contributes to a more inclusive understanding of American history.
Related Awareness Days
- World Day for Cultural Diversity — Celebrated on 21 May, this UN day promotes understanding between cultures and the value of diversity.
- Martin Luther King Day — Observed on the third Monday of January, this day honours the civil rights leader and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
- International Day of Democracy — Falling on 15 September, this day promotes democratic principles and the protection of human rights for all peoples.
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