Indigenous People Day
About Indigenous People Day
Date When Celebrated: This holiday is observed on the second Monday in October
On the second Monday in October, we celebrate Indigenous People Day. In the United States, Native American Indians and Eskimos readily come to mind. But there are many more indigenous groups. As a matter of fact, worldwide there are over 5,000 indigenous groups. For example, Aborigines in Australia, Pygmies in Africa, and Incan tribes are just a few. Therefore, today’s holiday refers to indigenous people around the world. Indigenous People Day is related to Native American Day, celebrated on the fourth Friday in September. However, Native America Day only refers to indigenous groups in the United States.
There are an estimated 476 million indigenous people spread all over the world. This includes over identifiable 5,000 groups.
Definition of Indigenous versus Native People
Let’s understand the definitions first, so we clearly understand who we are referring to, and to whom we are celebrating and honoring. Indigenous people are those who first populated an area before anyone else. Natives are defined as people who have lived in an area since birth. Yes, you are native to where you were born. It became confusing when the term “American Indian”, considered to be offensive, was changed to “Native American”. However, most, if not all of us, are comfortable using the term “Native American”, to refer to people who are indigenous to the United States.
Whew!. I’m sure glad that definition is out of the way. Now let’s just enjoy this holiday.
Now let's get a better understanding of some conflicting holidays
Native American Day – Originated in the state of California, this day has been around since 1939. It wasn’t until 1977, that Indigenous People Day began to take root. Often also called “Native American Day”, it is more widespread, with international meaning than the original Native American Day. More on Native American Day
Columbus Day – This holiday originated in 1972, to honor and celebrate Christopher Columbus, who was the first person to discover America. Over the past few decades, many have comerealizedt Columbus wasn’t the first person, not even the first European to land in, and “discover” America. Many say he did not even discover America, as in 1492 he did not land on the mainland of the American continent. It also became widely recognized that Europeans often came as conquerors, and worse. More on Columbus Day
Leif Erikson Day – Around 1002 A.D. Leif Erikson from Greenland, a European country, sailed down the eastern coast of North America as far as New Foundland, and his crew spent the winter there. While he was the first European to come to America, he was not the first. Indigenous people… Native Americans…. were already there. More on Leif Erikson Day
Today's Quote
“The worst time to have a heart attack is during a game of charades.’ – – Demetri Martin
All of this leads us to today.... Indigenous People Day
Efforts to recognize, celebrate and protect indigenous people like Native Americans and Aborigines began in 1977. This occurred at a United Nations Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations. Accordingly, it was worldwide in scope. In the U.S., the effort has steadily grown, partially to downplay or even eliminate Columbus Day. Now, dozens of cities and states in the U.S, recognize Indigenous People Day. Some, not all, have used this holiday in place of Columbus Day.
This day is used to honor and celebrate indigenous people, those very first settlers of a region. Who were the original inhabitants of your city or town? Do you know what tribe they belonged to? Are they still in your area? Today is a great day to learn more about them. Your local library or town historian are great sources for this information.
Schools, libraries, historical societies, and local government should use this day to provide educational programs, lectures, and exhibits on the indigenous people who first lived and worked the land in your area.
Related Holidays
More About Today
This Day in History – Indeed, many other important events occurred on this date. See what happened on this date in history.
Famous October Birthdays – Did you ever wonder what famous people share your birth date? If so, then find out now!
Also See: Pumpkin Recipes Galore and Holiday Recipes and Halloween Recipes
Pumpkin Nook – Visit the folks that know everything about pumpkins. Halloween, too.
Ecards – Send a free Ecard daily for Diwali Day, or for just about any October calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Without a doubt, it’s fun for both the sender and the recipient.
Holiday Insights, where every day in October is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. So, please join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? Moreover, in addition to Indigenous People Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. Many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. October holidays are no exception. Consequently., at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.