The Real Story Behind Indigenous Peoples' Day [2023]

Uncover the untold history of Indigenous Peoples’ Day and find out how you can make a meaningful impact – this is the inspiring real story behind this important day. 🌟🍂

✅ Listen to The Real Story Behind Indigenous Peoples’ Day on our podcast. We release new episodes of Travel with Jack and Kitty every day! Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. 🎙️❤️

Quick Summary

Explore the history and significance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. In this article you will learn…

Why Indigenous Peoples’ Day started as a counter-celebration to Columbus Day.
Key milestones in the history of the holiday, including international activism.
How you can celebrate and contribute to this important cause.

Recently, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed a proclamation saying: "Minnesota joins a growing number of government entities across the country that recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day in order to promote appreciation, recognition, solidarity, reconciliation, understanding, friendship, and continued partnerships among all people and the Indigenous peoples of this land." — Recently, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed a proclamation saying: “Minnesota joins a growing number of government entities across the country that recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day in order to promote appreciation, recognition, solidarity, reconciliation, understanding, friendship, and continued partnerships among all people and the Indigenous peoples of this land.”

The Real Story Behind Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Today we’re diving into something super special: Indigenous Peoples’ Day! 🍂

Wondering what it is? It’s a holiday that honors and celebrates the indigenous peoples of America. Mark your calendars because this falls on the second Monday of October. 🗓️

You know, Jack and I love celebrating this day. This year, we’ll probably go to one of our fave coffee shops, Pow Wow Grounds in Minneapolis – this Indigenous-owned small business has been at the heart of the community since 2010. I love their coffee and Jack enjoys their pumpkin spice lattes! 🎃☕️

A Counter-Celebration to Columbus Day

Guess what? This holiday began as a counter-celebration to Columbus Day. 🕊️

Why? Well, Christopher Columbus is kind of a controversial dude. He’s seen by some as a symbol of the violent colonization of the Western Hemisphere. 😬

A Journey Through History

Let’s rewind back to 1977. 🕰️

The United Nations hosted a big conference in Geneva, Switzerland. They talked about discrimination against Indigenous populations in the Americas. This was the first major step towards replacing Columbus Day. 👣

Activism kicked off in the late ’70s and ’80s. Native American groups staged peaceful protests called “alternate Thanksgiving celebrations.” These began in Boston to shine a light on both the cooperation and conflict between Native Americans and colonists. 👏

Taking the Stage Globally

Fast forward to 1990. A conference in Ecuador saw indigenous folks from all over the Americas unite. 🌎 They marked 1992 as a year of “continental unity” and “liberation.” Sounds cool, right? 🌟

In the U.S., many states and cities started to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day. Even Washington, D.C. joined the club. 🏛️

Special Moments and Milestones

In 2021, President Joe Biden took a groundbreaking step. He officially commemorated Indigenous Peoples’ Day with a presidential proclamation. He’s the first U.S. President to do so. 🇺🇸🎉

The Debate Continues

Now, not everyone is on board.

There’s been some pushback, especially from the political right. But hey, important issues like this always have multiple sides. 🗳️

Help celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day this year. Read a book or watch a documentary film about Indigenous people. — *Help celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day this year. Read a book or watch a documentary film about Indigenous people.*

How to Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Wondering how you can get involved? 🤔🎊

Educate yourself! 📚 Attend events like pow wows and workshops. Support indigenous artists and businesses. Share and repost on social media to raise awareness. 📱 Last but not least, consider making a donation to organizations that support indigenous communities. 💵

It’s More Than Just a Day

Remember, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not just a date; it’s a call to action. 🌈

It’s about honoring the resilience and rich culture of indigenous communities, not just today but every day. 🙌

That’s all for now, folks! Let’s be the change we want to see in the world. Catch you on the next adventure! 🚀

✅ Don’t miss out! Listen to today’s podcast episode, The Real Story Behind Indigenous Peoples’ Day – where we go even deeper into this story. Remember, we release new episodes of Travel with Jack and Kitty every day! Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. 🎙️❤️

Our Chat with Miss Minnesota’s First Indigenous Queen

Oh, hey – I almost forgot! 🙀

Jack and I had the pleasure of meeting Miss Minnesota Rachel Evangelisto this summer here in our hometown of Winona. She is the first Indigenous woman to wear the crown! Jack even had a chance to interview Rachel on the podcast. 🎙

Rachel is so sweet and her story is an inspiration to all! 💝