Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Abolishing Narratives & Honoring Truth
We’ve all heard the story, right? That familiar tale of Christopher Columbus setting sail, stumbling upon the Americas, and “discovering” a new world. But let’s be real—that version of history leaves out a lot. Indigenous peoples had been living, thriving, and building complex societies across the Western Hemisphere for at least 20,000 years before Columbus ever set foot on these lands.
Despite this, the U.S. established Columbus Day as a federal holiday, celebrating a voyage that led to colonization, displacement, and devastating consequences for Indigenous communities. It’s a piece of history that deserves a closer look—one that centers the voices and experiences of the people who were here long before 1492.
For Native Americans, Columbus Day isn’t just another federal holiday—it’s a painful reminder of genocide, land theft, and centuries of erasure. It celebrates a man whose arrival in the Americas set off a devastating chain of events for Indigenous peoples. That’s why, for decades, Native communities and allies have pushed to replace it with Indigenous Peoples’ Day—a day that honors the history, culture, and resilience of this land’s first inhabitants.
The movement to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day has been a long and uphill battle. It gained momentum in 1977 when the United Nations hosted an international conference on discrimination against Indigenous Americans. Even though Columbus Day is still recognized at the federal level, progress is happening. Just last October, for the first time ever, a U.S. president officially proclaimed Indigenous Peoples’ Day. State by state, cities and communities are making the shift, choosing to celebrate Native contributions rather than a myth that distorts history.
Why Indigenous Peoples’ Day Matters
Indigenous Peoples’ Day isn’t just about rewriting history—it’s about acknowledging survival, celebrating strength, and educating future generations. It’s a day to honor the sacrifices and resilience of Indigenous communities, who have endured colonization, forced assimilation, and systemic injustice for centuries.
Globally, similar observances exist. In Canada, the government has openly addressed the dark history of Indigenous oppression, recognizing National Indigenous Peoples’ Day on June 21. In 2021, they also established National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day (September 30) to acknowledge the horrors of residential schools and ongoing injustices.
The Fight Isn’t Over
Like Black communities, Indigenous peoples continue to face deep-rooted discrimination in nearly every aspect of life—healthcare, climate change, gender-based violence, land rights—the list goes on. Corporations and governments continue to exploit Native lands through mining, drilling, and large-scale construction projects, disrupting sacred sites and ecosystems. It’s a cultural and environmental catastrophe, and yet, Indigenous communities remain at the forefront of the fight, advocating for their rights and the protection of the land.
Indigenous Knowledge Shapes the World
Despite these struggles, Native peoples’ contributions are woven into our daily lives in ways most people don’t even realize. Did you know that 60% of the world’s food supply comes from Indigenous agricultural practices? From farming techniques to land stewardship, Indigenous knowledge has shaped how we grow food, care for the environment, and understand sustainability. Native traditions emphasize reciprocity with nature, respect for all living things, and the importance of community—values that the modern world could stand to embrace.
A Nation Built on Native Land
There are more than 500 Native tribes across what is now the U.S., each with distinct languages, traditions, and governance systems. To better understand their diversity, anthropologists divide them into ten cultural regions: Arctic, Subarctic, Northeast, Southeast, Plains, Southwest, Great Basin, California, Northwest Coast, and Plateau. These aren’t just historical footnotes—these cultures are living, evolving, and thriving despite centuries of attempts to erase them.
For generations, Indigenous peoples have fought to hold onto their identities, languages, and ways of life. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is about amplifying those voices and ensuring future generations can celebrate their heritage with pride.
Rewriting the Narrative
Let’s be honest: American history is complicated. The story of Columbus’ so-called “discovery” is just one example of how history has been rewritten to hide uncomfortable truths. But acknowledging the past—both its injustices and the resilience of those who survived—is necessary for healing and progress.
Honoring Indigenous heritage isn’t just about looking back. It’s about moving forward with integrity, learning from Indigenous values, and embracing a future where truth, community, and respect for the land are at the center. This Indigenous Peoples’ Day, let’s listen, learn, and celebrate the original stewards of this land. American history is not pretty. When it comes to how our nation originated, narratives such as Christopher Columbus’ “discovery” of the United States hide the injustices that built this country and negate the significant improvements made by Indigenous communities. Now more than ever, rethinking how we discuss and memorialize American history requires us to not only uncover hard truths, but to correct the injustices that plague our country.
Celebrating and understanding Native heritage helps our nation to heal and grow from our differences. We can all learn from the values of Indigenous people, to be honest, have integrity, prioritize community and kinship, and honor the land.
For resources on how to better educate yourself and celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, visit: https://www.uua.org/racial-justice/dod/indigenous-day
