Indigenous Peoples Day in Alaska
We wanted to create a space for those to learn more about Indigenous Peoples Day and why it is important to celebrate this day not just in Alaska, but nationally and globally.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the past, present, and futures of Native peoples throughout the US. The holiday recognizes the legacy and impact of colonialism on Native communities, and it also celebrates the cultures, contributions, and resilience of contemporary Native peoples. It’s celebrated on the second Monday of October, and this year, that’s October 12, 2020.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the past, present, and futures of Native peoples throughout the US. The holiday recognizes the In Berkeley, for example, the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Committee celebrated the holiday’s 25th anniversary in the city with dancing, food, and songs from local Native American tribes. Berkeley was the first city to adopt Indigenous Peoples’ Day back in 1991, and it continues to mark the holiday by highlighting both the history and contemporary culture of Native peoples.
Becky Little, “What Is Indigenous Peoples’ Day?,'” History.com, October 8, 2021
Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors Alaska Native people, culture and knowledge. The unanimous support for this special day acknowledges how the contributions of Alaska Native peoples and Indigenous knowledge enhance education provided by the University of Alaska.
Evon Peter, University of Alaska Fairbanks, October 9, 2017
In his proclamation, Walker stated: “Alaska is built upon the homelands and communities of the Indigenous Peoples’ of this region, without whom the building of the state would not be possible.” He went on to say: “The State opposes systematic racism toward Indigenous Peoples of Alaska or any Alaskans of any origin and promotes policies and practices that reflect the experiences of Indigenous Peoples, ensure greater access and opportunity, and honor our nation’s indigenous roots, history.”
Sarah Begley, “Alaska Renames Columbus Day ‘Indigenous Peoples Day,'” Time Magazine, October 12, 2015
Resources and Information
- https://www.morristhompsoncenter.org/
- https://www.npr.org/2021/10/11/1044823626/indigenous-peoples-day-native-americans-columbus
- https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/dena-history-indigenous-peoples-day.htm
- https://time.com/4070797/alaska-indigenous-peoples-day/
- https://www.uaf.edu/indigenous/
- https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/academics/college-of-arts-and-sciences/departments/alaska-native-studies/
- https://anchorageparkfoundation.org/current-projects/indigenous-placemaking/
