Honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day

It was back in 1977, at the International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas, (sponsored by the United Nations in Geneva,) when Switzerland first proposed the idea of replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The idea didn’t gain much traction at first, but then the city of Berkeley, California officially instituted this change in 1992 and inserted the idea in the collective consciousness. South Dakota was the first state to officially recognize the holiday in 1989.

Gradually over the years, more states came on board, and in 2021, President Biden declared Indigenous Peoples’ Day a federal holiday, to coincide with Columbus Day. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is now celebrated every year on the second Monday in October. This year it falls on Monday, October 14.

Traverse City is located on the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabek, also known as the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB.) We humbly recognize the resilience and legacy of the GTB, and express appreciation for our partnership with GTB over the years. In 2023 Oryana hosted a screening and panel discussion of the film Gather at the State Theatre in Traverse City. The goal of the film was to show the work of First Nations’ grantees and partners as they supported Indigenous communities to build sustainable foodways to improve health, strengthen food security and increase control over Native agriculture and food systems. It’s available for streaming on Netflix, iTunes, and Amazon. You can watch the trailer HERE.

Traverse City adopted a resolution in 2023 recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Read the full Traverse City resolution HERE.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day shall be used to reflect upon the ongoing struggles of Indigenous people on this land, and to celebrate the thriving culture and value that the Odaawa, Ojibwe, and other Indigenous Nations add to our city.

City of Traverse City

The Dennos Museum Center in Traverse City is hosting a day of learning, celebration, and community to honor the vibrant and enduring cultures of Indigenous peoples. This FREE event is open to the public and takes place October 14, 11 – 4 pm.