10/12/2026
History of Indigenous Peoples Day
Origins - 1977: The idea was first proposed at the United Nations International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas in Geneva, Switzerland, as a counter-celebration to Columbus Day. 
First State & City:
• South Dakota was the first state to act, replacing Columbus Day with Native American Day in 1990. 
• Berkeley, California became the first city to officially adopt Indigenous Peoples' Day in 1992, as a protest on the 500th anniversary of Columbus's arrival. 
Federal Recognition: It wasn't until 2021 that President Joe Biden issued the first-ever presidential proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day. Today it is observed on the second Monday in October in 29+ states and many cities — either in place of or alongside Columbus Day. 
Purpose: The day honors the past, present, and future of Native peoples, recognizes the legacy and impact of colonialism, celebrates the cultures, contributions, resilience, and sovereignty of Indigenous communities, and recommits to treaty obligations.