Indigenous People's Day: Honoring Resilience, Demanding Justice, and Celebrating Culture

Today, on Indigenous People's Day, we join Native communities across Turtle Island in celebrating the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. This day is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of resilience, a celebration of cultural survival, and a call to action for justice, truth-telling, and recognition of Indigenous sovereignty.

For many Tribal citizens, Indigenous People's Day holds deep emotional significance. It is a day to uplift our voices, celebrate our traditions, and honor our ancestors who carried our ways through times of immense challenge. It is a time to tell our stories—stories that have too often been silenced—and to share the beauty of our living cultures, our traditional knowledge, and our continued stewardship of the land and waters.

However, this day also comes with a deep awareness of the controversy surrounding its shared history with Columbus Day. For years, Indigenous voices have called for an end to the glorification of Christopher Columbus, whose arrival in the Americas marked the beginning of centuries of oppression, dispossession, and violence against Native peoples. Celebrating Columbus Day ignores the atrocities committed against Indigenous communities and perpetuates harmful myths of "discovery." It is time for an honest reckoning with history—a history that must acknowledge the pain, suffering, and injustice inflicted on Native peoples, and one that must honor the resilience and strength of Indigenous nations.

By replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous People's Day, we are taking meaningful steps toward reframing history and acknowledging the truth of our experiences. This change allows us to honor the resilience of our ancestors and to highlight the ongoing strength of Native communities today. It is about shifting the narrative to reflect the true history of these lands and the critical role that Indigenous people continue to play in shaping our world. But we must go beyond symbolic gestures—we must push for systemic changes that respect Indigenous rights, uphold treaty obligations, and ensure that Indigenous voices are heard and respected in all areas of decision-making.

For the Northwest American Indian Coalition (NAIC), today is a day to come together in community—to sing our songs, share our dances, and reaffirm our commitment to the wellbeing of future generations. But it is also a day to demand justice—to call for the dismantling of systems that continue to oppress Indigenous communities, to fight for the return of stolen lands, and to ensure that our children grow up in a world that values and respects their identities. We see this day as a bridge, one that helps to heal the wounds of the past and brings us closer to a world that values and respects Indigenous sovereignty, culture, and knowledge.

We recognize that for many, this is a time of learning and reflection. It is an opportunity to support Native-led initiatives, listen to the voices of Indigenous people, and become allies in the work toward justice and equity. We encourage everyone to take time today to learn more about the history and contributions of the original inhabitants of this land and to stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities by advocating for meaningful change.

Indigenous People's Day is a reminder of the work still to be done. As we celebrate today, we remember those who came before us and those who will come after us. We invite our community and allies to join us in continuing this journey of healing, education, and action. Let us confront the painful truths of our shared history, demand justice for Indigenous peoples, and work together to build a future where all Native communities thrive.

From all of us at NAIC, we wish you a meaningful Indigenous People's Day. Together, let us celebrate the beauty and strength of Indigenous cultures, fight for justice, and continue the work for truth, recognition, and respect for Native peoples everywhere.