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National Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Honoring Culture and Resilience

  • DEI Holidays & Recognition Days
A group of thirteen people in traditional attire pose together, smiling and wearing green, brown, and black clothing with beaded necklaces and headbands.

Celebrating Indigenous Histories, Voices, and Futures

National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, observed annually on the second Monday in October in the U.S. (and June 21 in Canada), honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous communities. It serves as a counter-narrative to Columbus Day by acknowledging the resilience of Indigenous Peoples in the face of colonization, displacement, and erasure. This day invites us to learn, unlearn, and recommit to Indigenous sovereignty and justice.

Looking for a quick, actionable way to acknowledge National Indigenous Peoples’ Day? This post gives you a fast, DIY DEI tip you can apply right now.

Why This Holiday Matters

Five people in an office celebrate Independence Day; one person throws confetti, others hold wrapped gifts, and two seated individuals clap in the foreground.

National Indigenous Peoples’ Day is more than a symbolic observance. Here’s how it connects to inclusion at work:

✅ It challenges dominant narratives by centering Indigenous experiences and voices.
✅ It highlights sovereignty, land stewardship, and cultural preservation.
✅ It builds awareness of systemic inequities that Indigenous communities face today.
✅ It encourages organizations to move from acknowledgment to active support.

Bringing this perspective into your workplace deepens cultural humility and shows respect for Indigenous contributions past and present.

One Inclusive Celebration Idea

Four people work at desks with laptops in front of a green background displaying icons of gears, charts, and a lightbulb representing ideas, teamwork, and Independence Day-inspired creativity.

Host a Land Acknowledgment & Learning Session

Here’s how:

  • Start with Education: Invite an Indigenous speaker or educator to explain the local tribal nations connected to your workplace’s land.
  • Practice Thoughtful Acknowledgment: Move beyond a scripted statement—share resources and commitments to action.
  • Connect to Equity: Ask: How can we support Indigenous sovereignty and inclusion in our work today?
  • Follow Up with Action: Consider supporting Indigenous-led nonprofits, cultural programs, or environmental initiatives.

This approach ensures the day isn’t just about words—but about respect, accountability, and action.

Ready for More?

Would you like a more detailed celebration guide for this holiday? 👉 Join our Free Community Here
In our community, you’ll find deeper DIY DEI guides, a full diversity calendar, and workplace-ready tools to help you sustain inclusive, impactful celebrations year-round.

Pause & Reflect

Illustration of six business professionals in an office; some are seated at a table reviewing documents, while others stand or work at a computer in the background, preparing for an Independence Day event.

How can your organization move beyond acknowledgment to active partnership with Indigenous communities?

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