When is indigenous peoples day 2023?

By HotBotUpdated: August 28, 2024

Answer

Indigenous Peoples' Day is a holiday that celebrates and honors Native American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. In 2023, Indigenous Peoples' Day will be observed on Monday, October 9. This date is significant as it is also the same day that Columbus Day is traditionally observed in the United States, creating a complex and often contentious dialogue about America's history and the narratives we choose to celebrate.

The History of Indigenous Peoples' Day

Indigenous Peoples' Day was first proposed in 1977 at a United Nations-sponsored conference on discrimination against Indigenous populations in the Americas. The idea was to shift the focus away from Christopher Columbus and instead celebrate the rich cultures, history, and contributions of Native American peoples.

The movement gained traction over the decades, with South Dakota being the first state to officially recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day in 1990. Since then, numerous states, cities, and educational institutions have followed suit, making it an increasingly recognized and important day of reflection and celebration.

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Why October 9?

The choice of October 9 for Indigenous Peoples' Day is deeply symbolic. This date coincides with Columbus Day, a federal holiday that has been celebrated since 1937 to commemorate Christopher Columbus's landing in the Americas on October 12, 1492. However, Columbus's arrival marked the beginning of a period of colonization, forced assimilation, and genocide for Native American peoples.

By observing Indigenous Peoples' Day on October 9, the aim is to provide a counter-narrative to the traditional story of Columbus and to acknowledge the resilience and contributions of Indigenous communities. It serves as a day of remembrance and a call to action to address ongoing issues faced by Native American communities.

How Indigenous Peoples' Day is Celebrated

Indigenous Peoples' Day is celebrated in various ways across the United States and beyond. Here are some common ways people and communities observe this important day:

Cultural Events: Many communities organize cultural events such as traditional dances, music performances, and art exhibitions to showcase Indigenous heritage.
Educational Programs: Schools and universities often host lectures, panel discussions, and workshops to educate people about Indigenous history, culture, and contemporary issues.
Advocacy and Activism: Indigenous Peoples' Day is also a time for activism, with many advocating for policy changes, land rights, and social justice for Native American communities.
Community Gatherings: Potlucks, storytelling sessions, and community feasts are common ways to bring people together to celebrate and reflect.

Challenges and Controversies

While Indigenous Peoples' Day is gaining recognition, it is not without its challenges and controversies. Some people view the replacement of Columbus Day as an erasure of Italian-American heritage, as Columbus has historically been a symbol of Italian pride in the United States. This has led to debates and, at times, protests against the adoption of Indigenous Peoples' Day.

Additionally, there are ongoing discussions about how to best honor and support Indigenous communities beyond a single day of recognition. Critics argue that while Indigenous Peoples' Day is a step in the right direction, it should be accompanied by concrete actions to address systemic issues such as poverty, healthcare disparities, and lack of educational opportunities in Native American communities.

States and Cities Recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day

As of 2023, several states and numerous cities have officially recognized Indigenous Peoples' Day. Some of the states that observe the day include:

South Dakota
Alaska
Vermont
Hawaii
Maine
New Mexico
Oregon

In addition to these states, many cities such as Los Angeles, Denver, Phoenix, and Seattle have also adopted Indigenous Peoples' Day. The growing list of places recognizing this day reflects a broader movement toward acknowledging and honoring Indigenous history and contributions.

The Global Perspective

While Indigenous Peoples' Day is primarily observed in the United States, the recognition of Indigenous peoples and their rights is a global issue. Various countries have their own ways of honoring Indigenous communities. For instance, Canada celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, while Australia observes National Sorry Day on May 26, and New Zealand celebrates Waitangi Day on February 6.

These global observances highlight the universal importance of recognizing Indigenous peoples' rights, preserving their cultures, and addressing the historical injustices they have faced. They also serve as a reminder of the need for international solidarity and collaboration in supporting Indigenous communities worldwide.

Resources for Further Learning

For those interested in learning more about Indigenous Peoples' Day and Indigenous cultures, there are numerous resources available:

Books: "An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
Documentaries: "Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World," "Reel Injun," and "Dawnland."
Organizations: The National Congress of American Indians, Native American Rights Fund, and the American Indian College Fund.
Online Resources: Websites like Native Knowledge 360° by the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian and the Indigenous Environmental Network.

Your Role in Indigenous Peoples' Day

Observing Indigenous Peoples' Day is an opportunity for individuals to reflect, learn, and take meaningful action. Whether through participating in local events, educating oneself about Indigenous history and contemporary issues, or advocating for policy changes, everyone can play a role in honoring and supporting Indigenous communities.

As Indigenous Peoples' Day 2023 approaches on October 9, consider how you can contribute to this important movement. The recognition and celebration of Indigenous cultures and histories are not just a one-day event but an ongoing commitment to justice, equity, and respect for all.