What is Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the histories, cultures, sovereignty and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples. In 2026, it falls on Monday, October 12. The day is recognized by many states and communities, but it is not a federal holiday under current law. Columbus Day remains the federal holiday observed on the same date.

This blog post was updated on September 1, 2026, with the 2026 date, current federal holiday context and workplace celebration guidance.

What is Indigenous Peoples' Day?

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a time to honor Indigenous peoples and recognize that Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities continue to shape the United States today. It is also an opportunity to learn about Indigenous histories, cultures, sovereignty and contemporary experiences.

The movement for Indigenous Peoples’ Day developed over decades. The idea was proposed in 1977 at an international conference addressing discrimination against Indigenous populations. In 1990, South Dakota became the first state to establish Native American Day as an official state holiday in place of Columbus Day.

In 2021, President Biden issued the first presidential proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The proclamation called on people in the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. It did not, however, create a permanent federal holiday.

Since then, many states, cities and organizations have adopted Indigenous Peoples’ Day, sometimes replacing Columbus Day and sometimes recognizing both observances. Holiday names, closures and policies can vary by location and employer.

What are the best ways to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day at work?

1. Learn more about where you live. Use the Native Land Digital map as a starting point for learning about Indigenous territories, languages and treaties. The map is educational and does not represent official or legal boundaries, so follow up with the websites and resources of local Indigenous Nations.
2. Attend an Indigenous-led event. Look for public talks, cultural events, museum programs and community gatherings organized by Indigenous groups. Review the host and purpose before promoting an event to employees so the focus remains on Indigenous people and perspectives.
3. Support an Indigenous-led organization. Invite employees to learn about local and national nonprofits, mutual aid groups and community organizations. A 2026 Brookings analysis found that just 0.51% of foundation and corporate philanthropic funding in 2024 went to grants confirmed as exclusively serving Native communities. Companies can consider donation matching or direct support based on guidance from Indigenous-led organizations.
4. Amplify Indigenous voices. Share work by Indigenous authors, educators, artists, historians and business leaders. If you invite a speaker or facilitator, compensate them for their time and expertise. Avoid asking an Indigenous employee to educate colleagues or represent an entire community.
5. Ask employees what meaningful recognition looks like. Make participation optional and gather input early, particularly from Indigenous employees or employee resource groups that choose to contribute. Use that feedback to decide whether a learning session, community partnership, internal message or schedule accommodation is appropriate.

Should we still celebrate Columbus Day at work?

There is no single answer for every workplace. HR and People leaders should understand the legal calendar, listen to employees and choose language and programming that fit their workforce and values.

The federal holiday is still officially named Columbus Day. The 2026 federal holiday schedule lists Columbus Day on Monday, October 12. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is observed on that same date by many state and local governments, schools and employers, but practices differ across the country.

The history of Columbus Day also has more than one dimension. President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated October 12 as a national observance in 1934, and Columbus Day became a Monday federal holiday in 1971. The observance has been associated with Italian American heritage, while critics have challenged celebrations that overlook colonization and its devastating effects on Indigenous peoples. The Library of Congress provides additional historical context.

At work, start by asking your people. Be clear about the name used on company calendars, whether the office is closed and whether employees need scheduling flexibility. If you plan programming, focus on living Indigenous cultures, voices and sovereignty, not only historical harm. Thoughtful recognition should support learning and respect without placing the burden of education on Indigenous employees.

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January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | 2026 Workplace Holiday Calendar