Every October, Americans across the country ask which states celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, as the holiday continues to grow in recognition. What started as a local movement has evolved into a nationwide conversation about history, culture, and identity. As of 2025, more states than ever have officially embraced the holiday, either alongside or in place of Columbus Day.
This expanded guide breaks down which states observe Indigenous Peoples Day, how they celebrate, and why this shift matters.
What Is Indigenous Peoples Day and Why It Matters
Indigenous Peoples Day is observed on the second Monday of October, the same date as the federal Columbus Day holiday. It honors the history, culture, and contributions of Native American and Indigenous communities.
For many, the day represents a step toward acknowledging the full complexity of U.S. history — celebrating Indigenous resilience while also recognizing centuries of struggle and survival.
Unlike Columbus Day, which has long been criticized for glorifying colonization, Indigenous Peoples Day focuses on amplifying Indigenous voices, celebrating cultural heritage, and educating communities about Native history and contemporary issues.
Federal Status of Indigenous Peoples Day in 2025
As of October 2025, Indigenous Peoples Day is not yet an official federal holiday, but it has received strong symbolic recognition at the national level.
Since 2021, the President has issued an annual proclamation acknowledging Indigenous Peoples Day and encouraging Americans to reflect on the history and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Columbus Day, however, remains the official federal holiday.
This creates a dual structure where the observance depends on state or local action. Some states have fully replaced Columbus Day, others recognize both holidays, and a few continue to observe only Columbus Day.
States That Officially Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day
A growing number of states have taken legislative or executive action to formally replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day. These states typically close government offices, hold statewide events, and list Indigenous Peoples Day on official calendars.
As of 2025, the following states fully celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day as a state holiday:
- Alaska – First to officially replace Columbus Day, recognizing Indigenous heritage statewide.
- Maine – Adopted Indigenous Peoples Day in 2019, removing Columbus Day from its calendar.
- Minnesota – Official statewide observance with cultural and educational events.
- New Mexico – Indigenous Peoples Day is a state holiday, with many public events and school programs.
- Vermont – Replaced Columbus Day officially through legislation.
- South Dakota – Celebrates Native Americans’ Day, a similar holiday with identical timing and purpose.
- Oregon – Officially recognizes Indigenous Peoples Day as a state holiday, observed in workplaces and schools.
- Hawaii – While it observes Discoverers’ Day, the state has adopted Indigenous Peoples Day as part of its cultural calendar.
- Virginia – Recognizes the day officially across all state agencies.
- Colorado – Replaced Columbus Day through legislative action in 2020, continuing into 2025.
- Nebraska – Recognizes Indigenous Peoples Day as a state holiday.
These states have set the tone for broader recognition nationwide. They often mark the day with cultural festivals, official proclamations, and community-led events.
States Recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day Alongside Columbus Day
Some states have chosen a dual recognition model, acknowledging both holidays simultaneously. This approach reflects ongoing debates within state governments and communities.
States recognizing both Indigenous Peoples Day and Columbus Day include:
- California – Issues annual proclamations, with many cities replacing Columbus Day entirely.
- Michigan – Observes both holidays, with growing emphasis on Indigenous celebrations.
- Wisconsin – Holds statewide observances but has not fully removed Columbus Day.
- North Carolina – Recognizes Indigenous Peoples Day through proclamations while retaining Columbus Day.
- Nevada – Adds Indigenous Peoples Day to state calendars without removing Columbus Day.
- Washington – Dual observance through gubernatorial proclamation.
- Maryland – Recognizes both holidays through state action.
- Iowa – Both holidays are acknowledged, though Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations are growing.
This dual model is often viewed as a transitional phase for states that may eventually adopt Indigenous Peoples Day as their sole official holiday.
States with Local Indigenous Peoples Day Observances
Some states do not have statewide legislation but allow cities, counties, school districts, and universities to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day independently. This local-level recognition has been essential in driving change from the ground up.
Examples include:
- Texas – Cities like Austin and Dallas have adopted Indigenous Peoples Day, even though the state has not.
- Florida – Several counties and universities celebrate the day through cultural programming and events.
- Pennsylvania – Philadelphia recognizes Indigenous Peoples Day and hosts large public gatherings.
- Ohio – Cleveland and Columbus (ironically) hold Indigenous Peoples Day events annually.
- Georgia – A number of municipalities host cultural and educational programs to mark the day.
Local observances often pave the way for eventual statewide recognition by demonstrating strong public support.
States That Still Observe Columbus Day Only
A small number of states continue to officially observe Columbus Day only in 2025. These states have not passed legislation or issued statewide proclamations recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day:
- Alabama – Celebrates both Columbus Day and American Indian Heritage Day separately.
- Kentucky – No official recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day.
- South Carolina – Retains Columbus Day without statewide Indigenous Peoples Day observance.
- Tennessee – Columbus Day remains on the state calendar.
- Louisiana – Has not made changes to the holiday.
- Mississippi – Observes only Columbus Day officially.
In many of these states, there are ongoing discussions and advocacy efforts, but no official policy changes have been made yet.
How States Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day
Celebrations vary widely depending on location, reflecting the diversity of Indigenous cultures and communities. Common forms of observance include:
- Cultural Events: Traditional dances, music performances, art exhibits, and storytelling.
- Educational Programs: Schools, universities, and museums host lectures, discussions, and historical workshops.
- Public Proclamations: Governors, mayors, and tribal leaders issue statements honoring Indigenous communities.
- Community Gatherings: Festivals, parades, and markets celebrating Indigenous heritage.
- Environmental Initiatives: Many communities use the day to highlight Indigenous leadership in environmental stewardship.
These celebrations often focus on honoring the past while educating future generations.
The National Trend: Momentum Is Growing
The question which states celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day highlights a larger national shift. Over the last decade, there has been steady momentum toward wider recognition. Each year, more states introduce bills, issue proclamations, or expand local observances.
Key drivers of this trend include:
- 📚 Education: Schools and universities have played a leading role in teaching Indigenous history and promoting the holiday.
- 🧭 Public Awareness: Americans increasingly support recognizing Indigenous heritage over colonial narratives.
- 🗳 Bipartisan Action: Adoption has occurred in both traditionally conservative and liberal states.
- 🌿 Community Leadership: Indigenous groups and allies have led grassroots campaigns across the nation.
If current trends continue, it’s likely that a majority of U.S. states will officially recognize Indigenous Peoples Day in some capacity within the next few years.
Why This Shift Matters
The growing recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day represents more than a change on the calendar. It reflects a cultural realignment—an acknowledgment of Indigenous communities as an integral part of the nation’s history and future.
For many, replacing or adding Indigenous Peoples Day is a step toward truth-telling, inclusion, and respect. It’s also an opportunity for education, cultural exchange, and celebration of resilience.
Final Thoughts
The answer to which states celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day in 2025 reveals a country in transition. Some states have fully embraced the holiday, others are balancing it with Columbus Day, and a few have yet to make changes. But the momentum is clear: recognition of Indigenous history and culture is expanding year by year.
Does your state celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day? Share how your community observes it in the comments below.