Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2023: History, Activities, FAQs, and Facts About Indigenous People

Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2023: Indigenous Peoples’ Day is observed to commemorate the cultures and histories of the Native American people on the second Monday of October, which falls on October 9 this year. The focal point of the day is the remembrance of their tribal heritage and the sorrowful narratives that not only harmed but also fortified their communities.

Day In History Of Indigenous People

1977 marked the sowing of the inaugural Indigenous Peoples’ Day seed during a United Nations international conference on discrimination. South Dakota was the first state to officially observe the day in 1989. Similarly, Santa Cruz and Berkeley, California, followed suit.

While the date remained Columbus Day until 1937, it soon came to be referred to by numerous individuals as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, an ode to the Native American people’s rich culture and way of life.

Columbus Day has historically caused pain among Native Americans due to its glorification of the violent history that encompassed five centuries of oppression and torment at the hands of European explorers, including Columbus, and those who settled in America. Indigenous Peoples’ Day highlights the anguish, trauma, and unfulfilled commitments that were eradicated with the commemoration of Christopher Columbus Day. Indigenous peoples were prosperous, self-sufficient communities that had endured for millennia prior to his arrival.

The movement to rename Columbus Day Indigenous Peoples’ Day gains traction annually in an increasing number of U.S. states, municipalities, and cities.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors, commemorates, and celebrates the exquisite customs and cultures of the Indigenous People, not only in the United States but globally as well. Their culture and way of life impart valuable insights and knowledge regarding how to live more sustainably.

Today, 14 U.S. states and the District of Columbia observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is observed in over 130 communities, including Salem, Amherst, Cambridge, Brookline, Marblehead, Great Barrington, Northampton, Provincetown, and Somerville. Numerous organizations that aim to rectify the limited access that indigenous peoples have to higher education have established scholarships in this regard.

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FAQs for Indigenous Peoples’ Day

When was Columbus Day renamed in honor of indigenous peoples?

Columbus Day was renamed Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 1992 in retaliation for the European-inflicted atrocities that the Native Americans endured.

What community benefits does Indigenous Peoples’ Day provide?

In order to rectify the detrimental consequences of racism in the United States and the dissemination of false historical information to rationalize white supremacy and colonialism, this day serves as a remedy.

Why ought we not to observe Columbus Day?

Commemorating Columbus Day and Columbus undermines the fundamental principles that govern indigenous peoples, given that he instigated the systematic annihilation of the Native Americans.

How to Observe the Day of Indigenous Peoples

Consult native literature

Dee Brown’s “Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee” and “An Indigenous People’s History of the United States” are essential reading. “1491: New Revelations Of The Americas Before Columbus” by Charles C. Mann and “A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies” by Bartolomé de las Casas are additional titles that should be considered.

Attend a gathering

Participate in an occasion arranged by a Native American organization or group. Determine how you can contribute to resolving any challenges that the group may be experiencing.

Organize a film screening

After watching a film with your pals, engage in a discussion. “Dances with Wolves” (1990), “Songs My Brothers Taught Me” (2015), “Gather” (2020), and “Indian Horse” (2017) are among the numerous films available for viewing.

5 Facts About Indigenous Peoples’ Day

1. 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.

2. Popcorn

   The Indigenous Americans were the first to domesticate the strains of maize that produced popcorn thousands of years ago.

3. 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.

4. Hockey

   The Native American tribes of Foxes, Saux, and Assiniboine played a game called shinny, which is where hockey came from.

5. The sequoia tree

   The sequoia tree is named after the revered Cherokee leader Sequoyah, who created an alphabet for his people.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Dates