Today we celebrate Indigenous People’s Day and take a moment to recognize and acknowledge the history of resilience and vast contributions Native Americans have provided to our society from prior to European colonization through present time.

Indigenous People’s Day has been officially recognized since 2021, however it is not yet a federal holiday. On October 2, 2023, Congress reintroduced the Indigenous People’s Day Act to designate the second Monday of October as Indigenous People’s Day nationwide. As of 2023, 195 U.S. cities and 23 states have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous People’s Day, some by proclamation, some recognizing it as an official holiday. States that observe the holiday include Alaska, Minnesota, Vermont, Iowa, North Carolina, California, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Virginia, Oregon, Texas and Washington D.C.. South Dakota celebrates Native Americans’ Day, Hawaii celebrates Discoverers’ Day, and Alabama celebrates American Indian Heritage Day.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day provides a renewed focus where erasure and attempts to sanitize the dark history and treatment Native Indigenous people endured for centuries still exists. The holiday is a step forward to reconcile harms of the past and to uplift the vibrant and diverse culture and traditions of modern Indigenous communities today.

IATSE stands in solidarity today and every day with our Native Indigenous kin and celebrates the rich heritage and achievements of Native people in our union and our communities.