In communities across the United States, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is being celebrated today, offering a moment to honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. This alternative to Columbus Day, which commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492, seeks to acknowledge the profound impacts of colonization on Native populations and to recognize their enduring resilience.
The movement to establish Indigenous Peoples’ Day began in the late 20th century, gaining traction during the 1977 International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas. Activists and Indigenous leaders called for a day of recognition that would reflect the perspectives and experiences of Native Americans rather than celebrating European colonization.
In 1992, the city of Berkeley, California, became the first municipality to officially recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a symbolic shift that sparked similar efforts nationwide.
As of 2024, at least 15 states and numerous cities have adopted the holiday, including New Mexico, Minnesota, and Alaska, each celebrating with events ranging from cultural festivals to educational programs that highlight Indigenous histories and contemporary issues.
The observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not without contention. Supporters argue that it is essential for confronting the historical injustices faced by Native peoples, including land dispossession, cultural erasure, and systemic discrimination. Critics of Columbus Day assert that celebrating the explorer perpetuates a narrative that overlooks the violence and trauma inflicted upon Indigenous communities.
“People should do more reading of primary documents to get a better understanding of native history. Once we understand then we start to decolonize. There were so many people that were educated on the conquerors of this land. You can’t discover a country that was already inhabited. We need to learn more about the people who were already living here,” Sandi Brewster-Walker said.
Brewster-Walker is the executive director and government affairs officer of the Montauk Indian Nation. She works closely with government officials on Long Island to preserve Native American History. She affirmed that deputy mayor of Hempstead Jeff Daniels was born to a Montauk Indian mother, the same tribe as Brewster-Walker herself.
Across the country, various events are being held to mark the occasion. Schools are incorporating lessons about Indigenous history and culture into their curriculum, striving to provide students with a more comprehensive understanding of the nation’s past.
Indigenous leaders emphasize the importance of using this day to advocate for ongoing issues facing their communities, including environmental protection, land rights, and social justice.
“The Montauk Indian Nation usually hosts a dance event but did not this year due to a death in the tribe. Next month, Native American History Month, we’ll have a lot more going on,” Brewster-Walker said.
As more Americans engage with the history and contributions of Indigenous peoples, the observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day continues to grow in significance. It serves as a call to action for understanding, solidarity, and reconciliation, aiming to foster a future where Indigenous voices are celebrated and respected.