Indigenous Peoples’ Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Indigenous Peoples’ Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is observed on October 10th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you ought to know about Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

📅 What day is Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2024?

In 2024, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is on Tuesday, October 10th. It is the 2nd Tuesday in October; in 2024, it is Thursday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the cool details and facts about October 10, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day falls on the second Monday of October, which is October 10th this year. This special day is dedicated to honoring Native American traditions and history. It serves as a time for indigenous communities to reflect on their ancestral roots as tribes, acknowledging both the challenges and progress that have shaped their communities throughout history.

📜 Indigenous Peoples’ Day History

Until 1937, Columbus Day was the recognized name for a particular day, but many individuals decided to change it to Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This change was made to acknowledge and honor the rich culture and way of life of Native American people. The history of Columbus Day was painful for Native Americans as it celebrated the dark period of colonialism and oppression that European explorers like Columbus brought to America. By renaming the day Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the focus shifts to recognize the suffering, trauma, and broken promises that were often overlooked by the Columbus Day celebration. The movement to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day is gaining momentum each year, with more states, towns, and cities in the United States adopting the change. Indigenous Peoples’ Day not only highlights the unique traditions and cultures of Indigenous peoples in America but also worldwide. It aims to promote and respect their way of life, which contains valuable wisdom and ideas on sustainable living. Currently, 14 U.S. states and the District of Columbia observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and over 130 cities have also adopted this change. Additionally, efforts are being made to increase access to higher education for indigenous people through the creation of scholarships.

✅ Indigenous Peoples’ Day Facts

🔖 Popcorn
Indigenous Americans were the pioneers who first cultivated the specific types of corn that would pop into popcorn, thousands of years in the past.

🔖 Maria Tallchief
Maria Tallchief, an American of Native American descent, achieved the remarkable feat of being the first to grace the stages of the prestigious Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow and the esteemed Paris Opera Ballet.

🔖 Female warriors
Native American women actively participated in combat alongside men, and one notable example is Buffalo Calf Road Woman from the Northern Cheyenne tribe.

👍 Why Is Indigenous Peoples’ Day Important

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a celebration that honors the original inhabitants of North America, the Native Americans.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates the rich indigenous traditions, cultures, and lives found all across the world.

On this day, we take a stance in favor of indigenous peoples. We should also assist those who invest in and help indigenous communities.

🙂 How To Observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day

⚡ Host a movie screening

⚡ Read indigenous literature
There are several books that are highly recommended and worth reading. These include “A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies” by Bartolomé de las Casas, “1491: New Revelations Of The Americas Before Columbus” by Charles C. Mann, “An Indigenous People’s History Of The United States” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, and “Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee” by Dee Brown.

⚡ Attend an event
Watch a movie with your buddies and then hold a debate about it. There are several films to pick from, including “Dances with Wolves” (1990), “Songs My Brothers Taught Me” (2015), “Gather” (2020), and “Indian Horse” (2001) (2017).

📅 When is Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

See all 🔗 October holidays, including 🔗 Cultural and other 🔗 American holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Indigenous Peoples’ Day. So be sure to check back soon.