Indigenous Peoples' Day 2026
The fight to protect indigenous lands from colonialists continues and that’s why Indigenous Peoples' Day is so meaningful.
By now you are likely aware that Columbus did not discover the Americas.
Watch my video on Instagram or TikTok or continue reading down below.
Norse / Viking explorers reached North America around 1000 AD, an estimated 500 years before Columbus.
And there’s some evidence that points to Portuguese sailors arriving in the 1470s — decades before Columbus' infamous voyage in 1492.
But more significantly, we know that Columbus didn’t discover the America’s because people were already here(!!!)
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a day that honors the histories, the cultures, and the contributions of Indigenous peoples—especially Native American communities in the United States. It is observed on the second Monday in October.
It is not a federal holiday in the U.S., but dozens of states and more than 100 U.S. cities have formally adopted it, either replacing Columbus Day or adding it alongside.
A bit of historical timeline for consideration:
• The holiday was first proposed in 1977 at a UN conference.
• South Dakota was the first state to officially replace Columbus Day, calling it "Native American Day" in 1990. This is the historical location of the white Buffalo prophecy —White Buffalo Woman visited the Black Hills.
• Berkeley, California was the first city to adopt the holiday under the name "Indigenous Peoples' Day" in 1992.
• In 2021, President Joe Biden issued the first official U.S. presidential proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
How to Observe Indigenous Peoples' Day?
People observe this day by practicing ceremonies, hosting traditional dances, and attending educational events focused on local tribal history and culture.
It’s also a good day to read a book by an indigenous author or explore Native customs through literature or film.
Film to Watch for Indigenous Peoples' Day:
“Prey” part of the Predator series is acclaimed with Amber Midthunder.
Recommended Book for Indigenous Peoples' Day:
If you are interested in herbalism like I am, I recommend:
“The Cherokee Herbal • Native Plant Medicine from the Four Directions”.
Of course, just like Earth Day it’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day every day. Don’t let history be a mystery.
White Buffalo Spirit is a registered Benefit Corp that makes contributions to non-profits that support indigenous and environmental protections. If you feel called to do so, consider donating to NARF or National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) today.
How will you observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day this year?
