SEATTLE — Indigenous Peoples Day has been recognized for decades in different forms and under a variety of names to celebrate Native Americans’ history and culture and to acknowledge the challenges they continue to face.
After years of community organizing, the Seattle City Council voted unanimously in 2014 to approve legislation designating the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
In 2021, President Joe Biden issued the first-ever presidential proclamation of Indigenous Peoples Day. He said in a statement that the day is meant to “honor America’s first inhabitants and the Tribal Nations that continue to thrive today.” He last marked Indigenous Peoples Day in 2024.
President Donald Trump made clear in 2025 that he would not follow his predecessor’s practice of recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day alongside Columbus Day in October. He accused Democrats of denigrating the explorer’s legacy as he pressed his campaign to restore what he argues are traditional American icons.
Last year, Trump issued a proclamation for Columbus Day but not Indigenous Peoples Day. In his first term, Trump recognized National Native American Heritage Month, which takes place in November.
Native American people across the country will honor their centuries-long history of resilience with ceremonies, dances, rallies and more for Indigenous Peoples Day. KIRO 7 has compiled a list of some events taking place in Seattle:
The Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services is hosting an event at Pier 58 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a series of activities, food from local Indigenous chefs, support for local Indigenous artists and other vendors. To learn more, click here.
From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. there will be a fashion show at North Seattle College, hosted by Ancestral Sisterhood.
A Coastal Jam & Powwow is taking place from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. at North Seattle College. It is hosted by Mazaska Talks and Seattle Colleges ACO Division.
The City of Seattle is hosting an event at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. You can learn more about the event by clicking here.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
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