WASHINGTON, D.C. (Ocotber 5, 2023) – Today, Congresswomen Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), and Sharice Davids (KS-03), and Senators Ben Ray Lujan (NM) and Martin Heinrich (NM) introduced the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Act, bicameral legislation to replace Columbus Day as a federal holiday and designate the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
“Indigenous Peoples’ Day is an opportunity for us to unite in celebration of the rich tapestry of tribal nations, their diverse cultures, and the important contributions they have made to our communities,” said DelBene. “Cementing this observance also acknowledges the current and historical injustices Indigenous communities face and renews our commitment to preserving their rights as we work toward a more inclusive and equitable society.”
“Our country has long failed to recognize and acknowledge its dark history of erasure and harm brought upon the first inhabitants of the Americas,” said Torres. “The Indigenous Peoples’ Day Act celebrates the 600+ tribes that inhabited the Americas for hundreds of years before the arrival of Western explorers. By designating Indigenous Peoples’ Day a federal holiday, we take a small but important step toward recognizing the injustices in our nation’s history and uplifting the vibrant traditions, history, and culture of all Indigenous communities – an integral part of the cultural fabric of the United States.”
“Establishing Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a federal holiday is an opportunity to acknowledge the painful legacy of colonization that continues to be felt to this day and celebrate the countless contributions of Indigenous communities to our country,” said Bonamici. “I’m grateful to join my colleagues in this effort to honor Indigenous people, history, and culture.”
“Indigenous Peoples’ Day is an opportunity to commemorate Indigenous peoples’ vibrant cultures and significant contributions to our nation — from before we became a union to today — and a day to acknowledge the persecution and discrimination that Native peoples have faced for centuries. As one of the first Native American women ever elected to Congress and a proud member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, I am honored to join my colleagues in calling for the national celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day,” said Davids.
“Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates the invaluable contributions and resilience of Indigenous People and recognizes our inherent sovereignty. While the story of America is one of slow and uneasy steps forward, the celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day validates the ideas of this nation’s founding. As a nation, I hope we can right wrongs and take another step toward a more perfect union,” said Indigenous Peoples’ Initiative Chairman Dylan O. Baca.
The bill was introduced with 56 House cosponsors and 11 Senate cosponsors.
The following organizations have endorsed the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Act: National Council of Urban Indian Health, Cherokee Nation, Navajo Nation, Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokut Tribe, Association on American Indian Affairs, Barona Band of Mission Indians, and the Indigenous Peoples’ Initiative.
The lawmakers first introduced this legislation in 2019 and have continued to lead the push to establish Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a federal holiday.
The full text of this bill can be found here.