# Indigenous Peoples Day and Columbus Day observances

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/indigenous-peoples-day-observances-in-the-united-states
> Updated: 2026-10-11T21:29:13.000Z. Sources: 31. Developments: 3.

Indigenous Peoples Day is being observed across the United States to recognize the history, cultures, and contributions of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. Advocates emphasize the day as a period for reflection to counter historical revisionism and the erasure of Indigenous symbols.

Regional celebrations continue with diverse cultural programming. In the Leelanau Cultural District, events include drumming by the Dusty Bears Singers, tribal dancing, film screenings, and presentations by author and educator James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw regarding Anishinaabek history and the Ojibwe language. In New Mexico, the Santa Fe Indigenous Center is hosting its fourth annual Native Nations Powwow at the Santa Fe Plaza, while Albuquerque’s Indian Pueblo Cultural Center features performances by the Matachines, the Tlacoyolt Dance Group, and the Rude Boyz Band. In Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Intertribal Circle and HIR Wellness Institute are organizing a community potluck with food, bingo, and a clothing giveaway, alongside the Milwaukee Public Museum’s fourth annual celebration.

These observances occur alongside the federal holiday of Columbus Day, which has been recognized since 1971. Recent years have seen a shift toward honoring Indigenous populations to acknowledge the historical violence, disease, and displacement caused by European colonization. In 2021, President Joe Biden issued the first presidential proclamation for Indigenous Peoples Day. However, Donald Trump has expressed opposition to recognizing the day alongside Columbus Day. While states such as Alaska, Maine, New Mexico, and Vermont have officially replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day or similar observances, others like California and Hawaii recognize both. In New York City, the 82nd annual Columbus Day Parade is scheduled to march up Fifth Avenue. The holiday affects various services, including the closure of federal offices, post offices, and banks, as well as modified transit and school schedules in cities like Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-11: United States observes Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day

The U.S. observes Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day, with many states and cities shifting focus to honor Native American history and resilience alongside the traditional federal holiday.

23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/regional-observances-of-indigenous-peoples-day-and-columbus-day

### 2026-10-11: Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations held in New Mexico and Milwaukee

Communities in New Mexico and Milwaukee are hosting various cultural events, including powwows, performances, and community potlucks, to observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indigenous-peoples-day-celebrations-held-in-new-mexico-and-milwaukee

### 2026-10-09: Indigenous Peoples Day highlights Native American history and culture

Indigenous Peoples Day offers a time to celebrate the history and contributions of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians while reflecting on historical erasure.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indigenous-peoples-day-highlights-native-american-history-and-culture

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Cite as: Indigenous Peoples Day and Columbus Day observances. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/indigenous-peoples-day-observances-in-the-united-states