In the United States, 21 states and Washington, D.C. now celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, or a holiday of a similar name, on the second Monday of October, as an official holiday or via proclamation. In 2021, Biden issued the first-ever presidential proclamation of Indigenous Peoples Day, however he did not replace Columbus Day.

By commemorating Indigenous Peoples Day, we recognize colonization persists today and perpetuates oppression and violence against Indigenous Peoples as well as their sovereignty and self-determination.

Equally important is ending the celebration of Columbus Day, as a step towards disrupting these oppressive systems and shifts focus to recognizing, honoring, and celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge, histories, cultures, traditions, and lands. It is an opportunity to learn about the Peoples whose land we occupy and now call home and to take action in supporting the rights and sovereignty of all Indigenous Peoples.

We invite you to join a growing movement of people who take the second Monday of October to acknowledge historical and ongoing wrongs, learn about the Indigenous Peoples in your community, and celebrate beautiful cultures and traditions through dance, performances, food, music, film, and honor Indigenous Peoples by taking action!

1. Learn Whose Land You Are On

2. Attend a local or virtual Indigenous Peoples Day event

3. Donate to Indigenous-led organizations upholding Indigenous rights today 

Cultural Survival works on this issue nationally and internationally. We also invite you to support Indigenous-led organizations and Tribes local to your community. In Cambridge, MA, where we are headquartered on Massachusett land, we partner with Native American Indian Center of Boston and United American Indians of New England, and support Eastern Woodland Rematriation. Also show your support for the Wôpanâak Language Reclamation Project, Native Land Conservancy, Wampanoag Trading Post and Gallery, The Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag, Native American LifeLines of Boston, Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness, Nolumbeka Project, Ohketeau Cultural Center, No Loose Braids and our long-time Bazaar partner Sly Fox Den.

4. Stream Indigenous Rights Radio programs to amplify the national conversation about Indigenous Peoples Day

Indigenous Peoples Day
In this radio program, we review the latest developments around Indigenous Peoples Day. We also hear what Christopher Columbus wrote about Indigenous Peoples in his diary.

Indigenous Peoples Day
IRR Producers Shaldon Ferris (Khoisan) and Avexnim Cojti (Maya K’iche’) uncover the history of Indigenous resistance to colonization and the “discovery” narrative that perpetuates the celebration of Columbus and the erasure of Indigenous Peoples.

5. Follow these notable Indigenous artists and leaders

Check out award-winning journalist Brandi Morin (Cree/Iroquois); Miss Universe Canada 2024 Ashley Callingbull (Enoch Cree); Emmy nominee Lily Gladstone (Piegan Blackfeet/Siksikaitsitapi & Nez Perce/Nimíipuu); Amber Midthunder (Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux) from Prey; boxer/actress Kali Reis (Wampanoag); author, playwright, and community leader Melissa Tantequidgeon (Mohegan); Elder Gary O’Neil (Wangunk); US Treasurer Marilynn Malerba (Mohegan); 2024 National Teacher of the Year Wunneanatsu Lamb-Cason (Schaghticoke/HoChunk); filmmaker Sterlin Harjo (Seminole); artist Wendy Red Star (Apsáalooke/Crow); researcher Abigail Echo-Hawk (Pawnee), comedian Dallas Goldtooth (Dakota and Diné); Emmy nominee, model Quannah ChasingHorse (Hän Gwich’in , Sicangu and Oglala Lakota); musician Tia Wood (Plains Cree and Coast Salish); fashion designer Lauren Good Day (Arikara, Hidatsa, Blackfeet, Plains Cree).

6. Indigenize your book list 

40 Best Native American Authors to Read in 2024. Check out this reading list by First Nations Development Institute. 
And read books by Indigenous authors to your kids! 

7. Take Action to Change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day

Urge Congress to revoke the federal holiday status of Columbus Day! 

8. Get Involved in the Anti-Mascot Movement

There are still more than 1,000 high school, university and professional teams that continue to have Native American mascots. Though changes have been made at the high school and collegiate levels, there is still more to be done with professional sports teams and other businesses. Start conversations to address the misrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples in your community today. Check out our Abolishing Racist Native Mascots: A Toolkit for Change.

9. Amplify Indigenous Voices and Perspectives

• YDL: Being Indigenous outside Indigenous Peoples Day by Jourdan Bennett-Begaye

• “Why We Celebrate Indigenous People’s Day” by Native News.

• “Acts of Solidarity on Indigenous Peoples Day and Beyond.” By Daisee Francour

• “Indigenous Peoples’ Day: A Call to Higher Consciousness.” By Wakinyan LaPointe

• Columbus in His Own Words by John Kane 

10. Support Indigenous Artists

11. Share IlumiNative’s resources to support #IndigenousPeoplesDay

12. Read the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 

13. Educate yourself on the #LandBack movement through LandBack U

14. Support Native Language Revitalization

Cultural Survival provides fellowships to Indigenous youth working on language revitalization. Meet our 2024 youth fellows and support a Cultural Survival youth fellow to learn and teach their Native language by donating at cs.org/donate.

15. Spread the Word!

One of the easiest and most effective things you can do is raise awareness about Indigenous Peoples. Forward, post this message on Facebook, Instagram, or tweet it! #SinkColumbus #AbolishColumbusDay #IndigenousPeoplesDay #IndigenousPeoplesDay2024