In 2021, Biden declared the second Monday in October Indigenous Peoples’ Day. However, before Indigenous Peoples’ Day was celebrated at the federal level, there were many decades of advocating for change across the country. It is thanks to the tireless work of activists and advocates across the country convincing local, state, and, eventually, federal governments that a holiday that once commemorated the violent legacy of Christopher Columbus was transformed into a celebration of Indigenous peoples and their many contributions to the area we now call the United States.
1990 South Dakota changes Columbus Day to Native Americans’ Day
1995 United Nations declares August 9 International Day of World Indigenous Peoples’
2014 Seattle recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Day
2015 Alaska becomes the second state to honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the country
2017 Moscow becomes the first city in Idaho to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day
2019 State of Idaho recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Day
2021 Indigenous Peoples Day becomes a state holiday in Oregon
2022 Indigenous Peoples’ Day is formally observed as a city holiday in Seattle
Listen to ‘Indigenous Peoples Day Song‘ sung by Mariana Harvey (Yakama) and Isa Shash (Mexica/Indeh)
Listen to ‘One World (We are One)‘ by Taboo, Mag 7 & Illuminative.
Listen to ‘Alright‘ by Supaman feat. Neenah
Watch Indigenous Peoples’ Day Poetry Slam published by the North Olympic Library System in 2021.
Curious about where to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day or other cultural events and holidays? Visit our calendar! We have categories for many annual cultural events and holidays and are adding more every year.
Trying to connect with community? Visit our directory to find organizations and community members near you! You can search for organizations by culture using our browse & filter categories under Community Focus. To locate these categories click ‘Advanced Search’.
At Voices, we believe community engagement is key! If you have any questions, comments, feedback, or suggestions for this or other pieces please don’t hesitate to drop a line to: voices@echox.org. Someone from our team will get back to you shortly.
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