Indigenous Peoples Day 2025: Why More States Are Embracing the Holiday and What It Means Today
Indigenous Peoples Day 2025 is gaining momentum across the U.S., with states, cities, and communities recognizing Indigenous history, culture, and rights. Discover how celebrations, political debates, and land returns are shaping its future.
What Is Indigenous Peoples Day and Why It Matters
Indigenous Peoples Day is observed on the second Monday of October, falling on October 13, 2025. The day is meant to shift focus from Columbus Day toward honoring Indigenous histories, resilience, and cultural contributions. Across the United States, more states and cities are choosing to recognize this holiday, either replacing Columbus Day or celebrating both.
Supporters see it as an opportunity to reframe the narrative of American history, acknowledging the realities of colonization while highlighting the endurance of Native communities. The observance is not just ceremonial; it has become a platform for education, advocacy, and policy change.
Recent State Actions Strengthening Indigenous Recognition
California’s New Legislation
California has emerged as one of the leading states in advancing Indigenous rights. Governor Gavin Newsom recently proclaimed “Native American Day” and signed laws to support tribal communities. These measures address:
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Cultural repatriation: Returning ancestral items and artifacts.
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Land protections: Safeguarding sacred and historic sites.
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Education rights: Ensuring Indigenous students can wear regalia at graduations.
These actions go beyond symbolic recognition and show a growing commitment to Indigenous voices in state governance.
Local Celebrations Expanding
Watertown, Massachusetts, is preparing for its 4th annual Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on October 12, 2025. The event will feature traditional music, cultural programming, and vendors, offering residents an accessible way to engage with Indigenous heritage.
Southern Oregon University is hosting a two-day campus celebration that includes speakers, traditional dances, and Indigenous cuisine such as salmon and Indian tacos.
Political Divides Around the Holiday
Despite its growing popularity, Indigenous Peoples Day remains politically charged.
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National Politics: Former President Donald Trump has promised to officially revert October back to Columbus Day if elected again, sparking heated debate over historical recognition.
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Cultural Tensions: In Chicago, vandals defaced an Abraham Lincoln statue in 2024, calling him an “executioner” in reference to his role in sanctioning the execution of Dakota leaders. This incident highlighted how contested historical memory remains in the U.S.
The debate reflects broader polarization, with some Americans viewing the holiday as necessary truth-telling, while others see it as erasing European heritage.
Land Returns and Symbolic Shifts
One of the most impactful recent actions was in Berkeley, California, where officials agreed to return a 2.2-acre parcel of land to the Ohlone people. Once a parking lot, the site is now planned to be converted into an open space and educational center.
This gesture is part of a wider movement known as “Land Back,” which calls for returning stolen lands to Indigenous stewardship. Such efforts demonstrate that Indigenous Peoples Day can be tied to real-world action, not only annual ceremonies.
How Communities Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day
Celebrations vary across the country, but they often combine cultural pride with political activism. Common forms of observance include:
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Sunrise ceremonies on sacred lands such as Alcatraz in San Francisco.
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Traditional dance and music showcasing Indigenous heritage.
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Storytelling and educational workshops for both children and adults.
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Food festivals featuring traditional meals like fry bread, salmon, and corn-based dishes.
These events provide both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities with a chance to learn, connect, and honor history.
Calls to Action Beyond the Holiday
Organizations such as Cultural Survival are pushing communities to adopt 15 Calls to Action for Indigenous Peoples Day. These include advocating for land rights, revising school curricula, and investing in Indigenous-led climate initiatives.
Such initiatives reflect a growing belief that Indigenous Peoples Day should not stop at symbolic recognition but instead pave the way for real change in education, policy, and social justice.
Indigenous Peoples Day Compared to Columbus Day
| Aspect | Indigenous Peoples Day | Columbus Day |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Indigenous history, resilience, and culture | Christopher Columbus and European arrival |
| Recognition | Increasingly adopted by states and cities | Still federally recognized in many areas |
| Tone | Reflective, inclusive, educational | Celebratory of exploration |
| Criticism | Viewed as symbolic by some, calls for more action | Criticized for ignoring colonization impacts |
This comparison illustrates why Indigenous Peoples Day has resonated with communities seeking to broaden historical understanding.
Why the Holiday Continues to Grow
Indigenous Peoples Day represents more than a symbolic shift; it is part of a broader movement for justice and recognition. By re-centering Indigenous narratives, returning sacred lands, and hosting cultural events, the holiday challenges outdated national myths and inspires dialogue about what reconciliation should look like in practice.
As Indigenous Peoples Day 2025 approaches, the conversation is no longer just about replacing Columbus Day—it is about how America chooses to tell its history and whose voices are heard in shaping its future.
