Celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day

October 9, 2023

The All Nation Singers in the city of Berkeley during the first Indigenous Peoples Day on Oct. 10, 1992.

Photo ⓒ AP Photo/Paul Sakuma

Today, October 9th, we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which honors the cultures, histories, and contributions of Native Americans, past and present. This day also works to counter the harmful narrative of Columbus' “discovery” of the Americas.

This photo shows the All Nation Singers in the city of Berkeley during the first Indigenous Peoples Day on Oct. 10, 1992. The idea was first proposed by Indigenous peoples at a 1977 United Nations conference held to address discrimination against Natives. South Dakota became the first state to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples day in 1989, and Berkeley, CA was the first city to adopt the holiday.. 

We invite you to commemorate Indigenous Peoples’ Day with us by learning more about the holiday as well as making a commitment to support organizations that seek to advance Indigenous sovereignty. You can find a list of resources below: 

What is Indigenous Peoples Day? A day of celebration, protest and reclaiming history | AP News

In Berkeley, Indigenous Peoples’ Day Is a Decades-Old Tradition | New York Times

Rethinking How We Celebrate American History—Indigenous Peoples’ Day | Smithsonian Magazine

2023 Titles for Indigenous Peoples' Day | American Booksellers Association

Shuumi Land Tax | The Sogorea Te Land Trust

UC Berkeley Native American Student Development | UC Berkeley Centers for Educational Justice & Community Engagement