October 14 is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a holiday commemorating the histories and cultures of Indigenous communities. This day also reclaims a holiday observed as Columbus Day to instead center Indigenous peoples.
Indigenous peoples are the original inhabitants of the North American continent and beyond, and the stewards of the land. Here are a handful of Indigenous Peoples’ Day events taking place in communities around the country.
Arizona
- Indigenous Peoples’ Celebration at Heard Museum
Commemorate Indigenous Peoples’ Day with free films, speakers, and programs exploring healthy lifestyles and traditional Native food-ways. Learn more here. Phoenix, AZ // October 12 // 10am-3pm - Tucson Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2019 at Alliance Without Borders
Join in for this family and child-friendly Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2019 event, featuring speakers, awareness-raising, food, danza, vendors, and music. Learn more here. Tucson, AZ // October 14 // 2pm-10pm - Indigenous Peoples’ Day Arizona at Puente Human Rights Movement
Our 5th annual celebration is bringing all the work IPDAZ has done over the past four years and thinking of applicable ways of living rather than surviving in a system not created for Indigenous people. There will be music, presenters, cultural sharing, community engagement, and of course, free food. Learn more here and here. Phoenix, AZ // October 14 // 11am – 8pm
Arkansas
- Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Celebrate our country’s native people with cultural crafts, music, and treats. This event takes place in the Level 4 teen center of the Main Library. Level 4 events are for teens ages 12-19 only, hosted by Central Arkansas Library System. Learn more here. Little Rock, AR // October 14 // 4pm-5pm
Hawaiʻi
- Puʻuhuluhulu University
Ongoing classes and workshops are arranged by the Kiaʻi of Mauna Kea in support of decolonization, kapu aloha, and stirring ancestral wisdom into collective action in protection of that which is sacred to sustaining life. Learn more here. Hilo, HI // Ongoing
Montana
- Adult Class: Sense of Place Through an Indigenous Lens
In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, join Co Carew, PhD, as she discusses her Indigenous arts-based research focused on understanding a ‘sense of place.’ Participants will be guided through an art-making experience to highlight and solicit their understanding of ‘place.’ $20 to participate. Learn more here. Missoula, MT // October 14 // 10am-12pm - Film Screening: In the Spirit of Atatice
Join us on Indigenous People’s Day for a film screening and discussion that explores the connection between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and bison. This 30-minute documentary will be followed by a Q&A with representatives of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Light refreshments will be provided. This event is free and all ages are welcome. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Learn more here. Bozeman, MT // October 14 // 7:30pm-8:30pm
New Mexico
- Inaugural New Mexico Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration
This special celebration is hosted by the tribes of New Mexico to celebrate the inaugural Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This historic occasion is open to all, and will include a tribal entry parade, dignitaries, Native dances, speakers, and special guests. Traditional festive attire is encouraged for tribal members. Learn more here. Albuquerque, NM // October 14 // 9am-1pm - Indigenous Peoples’ Day Event at Valle de Oro: Honoring Traditional Ecological Knowledge of the Rio Grande
Everyone is invited to the Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge for a provocative and honest conversation exploring what it means to reclaim “Columbus Day” as “Indigenous Peoples’ Day.” We gather in sincerity to open space for meaningful dialogue about species in peril, tribal sovereignty, and trust responsibility. In this way we honor Native land, people, plants, and animals along the Rio Grande. Learn more here. Albuquerque, NM // October 14 // 5pm-7pm
New York
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day NYC
A celebration of culture, resilience and resistance! As always, we throw this event to honor and celebrate the Indigenous Peoples of this land. Our purpose is to highlight and support the current national movement to change outdated holidays and monuments honoring figures who have brought harm on the vulnerable populations. Learn more here. New York, NY // October 13 and 14 // 11am
North Carolina
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day Ice Cream Drop-In
Stop by the Cherokee Center for a complimentary ice cream cone in celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Each ice cream will feature a famous indigenous person and will be made with love from our Cherokee Center staff. Learn more here. Cherokee, NC // October 14 // 11am-1pm - Indigenous Peoples’ Day at ECU
In place of Columbus Day, join us in celebrating the rich and diverse legacy of North America’s Indigenous population. The day will consist of songs and dance, performances, and wonderful local and national speakers. Learn more here. Greenville, NC // October 14 // 12pm-6pm
