Digital Learning Commons: Indigenous Americans and Wabanaki Studies: Indigenous Peoples' Day

About Indigenous Peoples' Day

Indigenous Peoples' Day is observed around the world on August 9th. The date was established by the United Nations in 1994.

In the United States, some states are considering changing Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day. Maine made this change in 2019 with LD 179: An Act To Change the Name of Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day.

Read and learn more about the history of the holiday and the controversy around the issue.

Articles

Rethinking How We Celebrate American History—Indigenous Peoples’ Day
An article from Smithsonian Magazine, updated in 2020, about the shift from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day. (7-12)

Opposing Viewpoints

Indigenous Peoples Day comes amid a reckoning over colonialism and calls for return of Native land
In this article, Abel R. Gomez argues that a holiday is only the start. He says it's time to start talking about returning land.
A Holiday Won’t Heal Centuries of Oppression Against Native Americans
The authors of this viewpoint argue that changing the holiday from Columbus Day to Indigenous Day simplifies and erases America's complicated history.

What is Indigenous Peoples' Day?

Indigenous Peoples' Day
This short video is part of the "All About Holidays" series from PBS Media.

Maine's LD 179

With the signing of LD 179, Maine changed the name of Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day. Read more about the bill and how it became a law.

LD 279: Summary and Supporting Documents
The official text of the bill along with amendments and the history of action on the bill.
Testimony in Support of the Bill from the Sierra Club of Maine

For Educators

Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples' Day?
Geared at high school, this lesson plan from the Anti-Defamation League can be completed within 45-60 minutes. It includes readings and primary source materials.
"Un-Columbus Day"
A blog post with tips and resources for teaching about Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day.
NMAI: Unlearning Columbus Day Myths
A list of culturally respectful resources for unlearning myths about Christopher Columbus and celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day. (K-12)
Indigenous Peoples' Day in Maine
A collection of Maine-specific resources from the Maine State Museum.