Indigenous People’s Day honors the past, present, and future of Native peoples throughout the US. The holiday recognizes the legacy and impact of colonialism on Native communities, and it also celebrates the cultures, contributions, and resilience of contemporary Native peoples.
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day can take many forms. Indigenous-led organizations host educational activities and performance events while honoring ceremonies bring cultural celebrations to public stages across the country.
Respectfully observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day means centering on Indigenous culture, history, and traditions. You can engage with the resources listed below to learn more about the importance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day and find ways to celebrate the holiday respectfully.
- Identify and acknowledge the Native land you live on.
- Attend a celebration hosted by an Indigenous organization that honors Indigenous people and cultures.
- Take part in an online or in-person event, such as those hosted by the National Museum of the American Indian.
- Make and encourage donations to Indigenous-led organizations that center on Native voices, stories, and issues like the Native American Rights Fund, First Nations Development Institute, IllumiNative, or Native American Heritage Association.
- Sign a petition or write to your Congressperson about the importance of celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
- Take action to remove mascots, names, and logos depicting racist and offensive imagery and language.
- Read books that center on Indigenous people, history, or culture.
- Watch and share historically accurate videos reflective of Indigenous people.
- Spread the word by talking with others about the importance of recognizing Indigenous people and celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
- Download the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Toolkit from IllumiNative to learn more about how you can support the holiday.
- Educate yourself, friends, and family with resources from IllumiNative for being an effective ally to Native people.
- Fight Native voter suppression by learning more about the issue, sharing resources for voting from Natives Votes, and donating to the Native Voter Fund.
- Support coronavirus relief for Native communities (which have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic) by contributing to the First Nations Development Institute’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.