Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a national holiday observed annually in October. It is a celebration honoring the histories, cultures, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples across the United States. The observance serves as both a recognition of Indigenous sovereignty and a corrective to centuries of erasure in mainstream narratives. While many communities once marked the day solely as Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day recenters the conversation on the experiences, resilience, and leadership of Native nations who have shaped the United States. 

The movement to establish Indigenous Peoples’ Day began in the late 20th century, led by Native activists, scholars, and tribal nations who sought to challenge inaccurate historical narratives and acknowledge the harm caused by colonization. In 1992, Berkeley, California became the first U.S. city to officially adopt the observance, coinciding with the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s arrival in the Americas. Over the following decades, states, cities, and tribal governments across the country followed suit. Today, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is recognized in numerous states and hundreds of municipalities, reflecting a growing commitment to accuracy and respect for Indigenous communities. The observance encourages people to learn about the histories of Native nations and to understand how Indigenous peoples continue to shape contemporary life. 

Indigenous peoples have always been in North America, yet historical narratives have systemically marginalized or misrepresented their stories. The observance encourages communities to confront these gaps by learning about Indigenous histories from Indigenous voices. It highlights the variety of Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions, reminding people that Native nations are not monolithic but distinct communities with unique identities and governance structures. The day also underscores the importance of recognizing tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, and the ongoing efforts of Indigenous nations to protect land, water, and cultural heritage. 

During Indigenous Peoples’ Day, tribal nations host cultural events, including traditional dances, storytelling, art exhibitions, and community gatherings that highlight Indigenous heritage. Each year in honor of the observance, communities from the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University gather to raise a tipi, a canvas tent designed by various Indigenous groups in the Great Plains of North America. 

Advocacy organizations organize workshops, film screenings, and discussions that amplify Indigenous voices and perspectives. Individuals can also participate by reading Indigenous literature, supporting Native artists and businesses, or learning about the tribal nations whose lands they live on.  

In Kansas, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is an opportunity to learn about the broader histories of Indigenous peoples who lived throughout the region, including the Osage, Cheyenne, Arapaho, and other nations whose homelands and trade routes shaped the Great Plains. Many Indigenous people from other tribal nations live, study, and work in Kansas today, contributing to the state’s cultural richness and strengthening connections between Native and non-Native communities. 

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a celebration of resilience, identity, and truth. It honors the strength of Indigenous communities, acknowledges the injustices they have faced, and encourages a deeper understanding of the histories that shape the United States. By centering Indigenous voices and promoting education, the observance helps create a more accurate and respectful narrative that recognizes Indigenous peoples as vital and enduring parts of the United States' history.  

At the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX (OCRTIX), we believe that when people feel a true sense of belonging, they are better able to reach their full potential and succeed. We are committed to uplifting each Jayhawk by fostering a culture where each person is seen, heard, and valued. Honoring a variety of identities, cultures, and observances allows us to make the University of Kansas a safer and more welcoming space for everyone.