Here’s Why Indigenous Peoples’ Day Is a Pretty Big Deal

Today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day! A day to celebrate. A day to honor. And, most importantly, a day to recognize the centuries of resilience Native American people have upheld despite some of the most despicable acts of war, colonialism, and attempts at erasing history.

Why is Today Called Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

In 2021, President Biden issued the first-ever proclamation of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The President stated the day is meant to “honor America’s first inhabitants and the Tribal Nations that contribute to thrive today.”

Formally, this holiday was called Columbus Day (and some states/cities still recognize the second Monday in October as this). However, pushes from Indigenous advocacy groups and tribes across the nation forced people to rethink the true meaning behind this day.

“Columbus was a lost explorer who stumbled into this part of the world and brought famine, colonization, and the deaths of millions of Indigenous peoples. For this country to celebrate that history is absolutely disrespectful – Nick Tilsen, CEO of the NDN Collective.

Why is Indigenous Peoples’ Day Important?

The number of reasons this holiday is worthy of recognition is endless.

Number one, this day carries an immense significance for Native American people. Think about it – for YEARS we’ve celebrated Christopher Columbus, who was, putting it nicely, a not-so-great person who inflicted harsh forms of violence on Indigenous people.

Today, we celebrate a huge victory for Native people. They not only overcame Columbus, but they overcame hardship after hardship.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a representation that Native American people will not be erased.

Second, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a day to think about and recognize the unimaginably painful history Native American communities have endured.

Native American tribes and communities have experienced the leaders of this country trying to erase their culture, rewrite their history, and continually steal their land. Yet despite this, Native people are here and thriving.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a day to recognize this hardship and honor the strength it took to preserve their culture.

How Do You Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

Here are some easy ways to respectfully celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day this year!

#1 Acknowledge The Land You’re Living On

It’s easy to forget that the land we’re living on is Native land. However, recognizing this is a really simple way to show respect for where you’re living, and also acknowledges that many people were forced away from their homes.

Sites like Native Land can show you the native land you’re living on. From there, do a little research on the tribe that used to call that land home.

#2 Educate, Educate, Educate!

One of the best things we can do to honor Native American people is to educate ourselves. Learn about the REAL history of Native American people, not the embarrassing white-washed version they’ve taught us in school.

#3 Show Your Support For Native-Owned Businesses

There are more native-owned businesses than you may realize, and showing your support is incredibly meaningful.

Like this website, thousands of native business owners bring their culture and history to various industries, like clothing, jewelry, and much more!