Indigenous Peoples Day observed across the United States

Indigenous Peoples Day was observed across the United States on Monday, October 12, with ceremonies, cultural events and protests recognizing Native history and culture and drawing attention to the effects of colonization. The observance coincided with Columbus Day, a federal holiday, but is not itself a federal holiday. Native American communities mark the day with ceremonies, dances, speeches, rallies and other events. Activist gatherings have focused on environmental justice, the return of Indigenous lands and missing and murdered Indigenous women, alongside efforts to celebrate Indigenous resilience and contributions. The observance is generally held on the second Monday in October. It has been recognized for decades under different names, as Native communities and advocates sought broader acknowledgment of Indigenous history and the harms associated with European colonization. The day’s placement alongside Columbus Day has also made it a focus of debate over how the country remembers its past. President Joe Biden issued the first presidential proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day in 2021.