Indigenous Peoples's Day / Columbus Day 2025: History, Traditions, and Meaning

What Is Indigenous Peoples's Day / Columbus Day?

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Indigenous Peoples's Day / Columbus Day refers to a U.S. public holiday that carries two widely recognized names and purposes. In many places, communities highlight and honor Native nations—their histories, cultures, and ongoing contributions—under the banner of Indigenous Peoples' Day. Elsewhere, the day remains Columbus Day, a commemoration rooted in the era of European exploration and long connected with Italian American heritage. Today, schools, cities, states, and civic groups often approach the date as a time for education, respectful dialogue, and community celebration.

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In 2025, the holiday falls on Monday, October 13—the second Monday in October. While some jurisdictions observe only Indigenous Peoples' Day, others keep Columbus Day, and many recognize elements of both. This evolving landscape reflects ongoing conversations about history, identity, and how we tell shared American stories.

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When Is It in 2025?

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The holiday is set by the Uniform Monday Holiday Act to the second Monday in October. That date lands on October 13 in 2025. Federal offices and many banks close, though practices vary by state and municipality. In schools and cultural institutions, you’ll find programs focused on Native heritage, civic engagement, and critical historical inquiry—sometimes interwoven with traditional Columbus Day activities.

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History and Evolving Perspectives

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Origins of Columbus Day

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Public observances tied to Christopher Columbus date back to the late 18th century, with prominent events in 1792 marking the 300th anniversary of his 1492 voyage. The holiday grew in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often as a statement of pride within Italian American communities facing discrimination. In 1937, Columbus Day became a U.S. federal holiday, originally observed on October 12; in 1971, it moved to the second Monday in October.

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Rise of Indigenous Peoples' Day

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Momentum for Indigenous Peoples' Day accelerated in the late 20th century. South Dakota reframed the date as Native American Day in 1990, and Berkeley, California, adopted Indigenous Peoples' Day in 1992, the 500th anniversary of 1492. Over time, cities, states, and universities across the U.S. followed suit, encouraging public acknowledgment of Native sovereignty, resilience, and the impacts of colonization. In 2021, a U.S. presidential proclamation recognized Indigenous Peoples' Day nationally, further amplifying its profile.

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Today, numerous states and hundreds of cities recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day in some form. Others continue to mark Columbus Day, often with cultural parades and educational programs. Many communities seek a balanced approach, using the date to examine complex narratives, promote mutual understanding, and foster informed citizenship.

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Traditions, Activities, and Ways to Celebrate

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Whether your community observes Indigenous Peoples' Day, Columbus Day, or a combined program, the date offers meaningful chances to learn and connect. Consider the following traditions and activities:

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• Honor Native communities: Attend a land acknowledgement ceremony, powwow, or cultural festival featuring Indigenous artists, storytellers, and knowledge keepers.
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• Support Native-led organizations: Volunteer time, donate, or amplify initiatives in education, language revitalization, healthcare, and land stewardship.
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• Explore local history: Visit a museum or tribal cultural center. Learn the names and histories of the Indigenous peoples whose homelands you live on.
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• Read and reflect: Choose books by Indigenous authors for family or classroom reading. Pair them with primary sources to explore different viewpoints.
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• Culinary heritage: Cook dishes featuring traditional ingredients such as corn, beans, squash, wild rice, or salmon, and explore the stories behind them.
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• Community dialogues: Host panels or teach-ins that examine the legacies of exploration, migration, and colonization—alongside contemporary Native achievements.
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• Parades and cultural pride: In communities that observe Columbus Day, attend or study heritage parades that showcase Italian American culture, music, and cuisine—while also engaging historical context thoughtfully.
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• Classroom ideas: Compare maps and timelines, analyze vocabulary and primary documents, and consider how narratives are constructed and change over time.
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Why Language and Naming Matter

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Names signal values. For many, “Indigenous Peoples' Day” centers living Native nations and encourages teaching accurate, community-informed histories. For others, “Columbus Day” remains a cultural touchstone. Recognizing this range of experiences can help communities design inclusive programs that welcome discussion and prioritize curiosity over conflict.

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Worldwide Observance and Related Dates

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The U.S. holiday aligns with a broader cluster of October observances connected to 1492 and to Indigenous resilience:

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• Spain: October 12 is the Fiesta Nacional de España (Día de la Hispanidad), a national holiday with civic ceremonies and cultural events.
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• Latin America: Several countries observe October 12 under evolving names—such as Día de la Raza, Día de la Resistencia Indígena (Venezuela), or Día de la Diversidad Cultural (Argentina)—reflecting distinct historical perspectives.
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• Canada: Thanksgiving falls on the second Monday in October; in 2025, that is also October 13, making cross-border long weekends common for travel and family gatherings.
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• Caribbean and beyond: Some nations have reframed or replaced older “discovery” holidays with events that highlight national heroes or local heritage.
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These global parallels underscore how societies revisit and reinterpret the past—an ongoing process that invites participation, deep listening, and careful scholarship.

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Etiquette and Thoughtful Participation

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Engaging respectfully is foundational. If you attend an event hosted by a tribal nation or Indigenous organization, check any posted protocols regarding photography, sacred items, or ceremonial spaces. When acknowledging land, avoid generic statements; consult tribally authored resources and local experts. If your community holds a Columbus Day parade, take the opportunity to pair the celebration with learning—visit a library exhibit, attend a lecture, or explore classroom resources that add context.

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Fun Facts

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• Public commemorations tied to Columbus were recorded in the U.S. as early as the 1790s; the holiday became federal in 1937.
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• Berkeley, California, adopted Indigenous Peoples' Day in 1992; since then, hundreds of U.S. communities have followed, each adapting the observance to local history.
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• In 2021, the first U.S. presidential proclamation recognized Indigenous Peoples' Day, encouraging nationwide reflection and education.
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• Many libraries and museums now create special October exhibits focused on Native languages, arts, and contemporary achievements.
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Is it a federal holiday?

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Yes. Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States. However, state and local observance varies. Many jurisdictions mark the day specifically as Indigenous Peoples' Day; others hold combined or alternative programs.

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What is the date in 2025?

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Monday, October 13, 2025—the second Monday in October.

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How can I participate respectfully?

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Prioritize Indigenous-led events and resources, ask thoughtful questions, and support Native creators and organizations. Pair celebrations with learning—especially through primary sources and tribally authored materials.

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Why do some places use both names?

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Communities differ in how they commemorate history and culture. Using both names can acknowledge Italian American heritage while centering Indigenous perspectives and present-day leadership.

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Bringing It All Together

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However your community marks Indigenous Peoples's Day / Columbus Day, the 2025 observance offers space to learn, honor living cultures, and reflect on complex legacies. With inclusive programming, robust historical inquiry, and meaningful traditions, the day can be both a celebration and a catalyst for understanding that lasts well beyond a long weekend.