Celebrations and Advocacy for Indigenous Rights Mark the Federal Holiday.
Indigenous peoples across the United States commemorated Monday with celebrations honoring their heritage, educational initiatives, and renewed calls for the Biden administration to fulfill its promises. Once a federal holiday recognizing Christopher Columbus’ 1492 arrival in the Americas, this day is now increasingly observed as Indigenous Peoples Day.
For Michaela Pavlat, a cultural interpreter at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, the day represents both celebration and a chance for reflection. It also underscores the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities, from land rights to the enforcement of U.S. government treaties, and the need for greater visibility and understanding.
“As long as you’re on Native land and stolen land, it’s Indigenous Peoples Day,” Pavlat, a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Band of Chippewa Indians, said. “We have a lot of movement and a lot of issues we’re facing in our communities, and this is a conversation that should happen every day.”
