Indigenous Peoples Day

Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October and is meant to uplift and recognize the history and contributions of Indigenous People and the Tribal Nations.

Description & History

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Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October. In 2025 it will be celebrated on October 13th. Indigenous Peoples Day is meant to uplift and recognize the history and contributions of Indigenous People and the Tribal Nations. The first federally recognized Indigenous People’s Day was in 2021 when the Biden administration regarding our country's responsibility to recognize their inherent sovereignty and invest in the future of indigenous people. Although it is not an official federal holiday, many states do formally recognize and celebrate it.

While there is some interest in no longer recognizing Columbus Day and making Indigenous Peoples Day an official federal holiday, this has not yet happened

Sponsor

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Part of the Smithsonian Institution, the (NMAI) offers educational resources, exhibits, and events focused on Indigenous cultures and history. They frequently partner with organizations for Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations.

Professional Learning Resources

A brief article from the National Museum of the American Indian about the importance of resetting perspectives towards indigenous peoples and their contributions to our country on October 14th.

An introductory list of ten tips for teachers and librarians to consider when beginning to plan lessons about Indigenous People. Prepared by Debbie Reese and Jean Mendoza.

A database organized by Dr. Debbie Reese with reviews, lists, articles, and posts about the issues in children’s literature related to Native and Indigenous representation and reviews of literature which is both problematic and excellent.

The American Indian Youth Literature Award is given in even-numbered years to authors and illustrators for their work in picture books, middle grade and young adult categories.

A place for educators to build their own background knowledge about Native American history and find resources to help them teach this in an honest and accurate way.

IllumiNative is a Native-led organization that focuses on changing the narrative about Native peoples in the United States. They create educational content and campaigns that celebrate Indigenous cultures and history.

Learner Engagement Resources

Over 15 modules for students to learn more about Native Tribes across the US. There are also modules that focus on current day issues and topics.

PowWows.com is a platform that promotes Native American culture through events, news, and education. They can partner with organizations to host virtual events, share resources, and promote Indigenous Peoples Day activities.

Short educational videos on the history of Native People across the U.S. for 6-12 grade use in the classroom to learn about indigenous peoples across various topics.

Book Lists & Recommendations

American Indians / Indigenous Peoples / Native Nations Books for early childhood through adults that are recommended and a list of popular books that are NOT recommended. Based on the work of Debbie Reese.

Originally made for Native American Heritage Month but can be copied and personalized for Indigenous People’s Day and to reflect books in your collection.

Promotional Resources

Take today and celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day with your students to help educate them about the original people of the north American continent! Don’t forget that we have many resources for you to use!