SHIFTING HISTORICALLY INACCURATE NARRATIVES

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October in the United States, in lieu of or in addition to Columbus Day. At its core, Indigenous Peoples’ Day aims to move beyond the narrative of oppression and honor the histories, cultures, contributions, and resilience of contemporary Native peoples.
When IllumiNative first began, only about four states and 57 cities celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day. In 2024, the numbers grew to 17 states, plus Washington D.C., and more than 200 cities. Expanding the recognition and awareness of Indigenous Peoples’ Day was one way we shifted historically inaccurate narratives by replacing them with accurate and authentic stories.

Credit: Mer Young (Apache and Chichimeca) / Amplifier

THROUGH THE YEARS

Over the years, IllumiNative celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day and increased visibility around the importance of this holiday by developing guides, messaging, and artist collaborations.

1

2019: One World (We Are One) Official Music Video

We partnered with Taboo and Mag 7 around the release of “We Are One” to show the richness, diversity, and beauty of Indian Country.

2

2020: “For Our Future” Guide

This guide provides an overview of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, how different states and cities made the shift, and the actions allies can take to advocate for the adoption of Indigenous Peoples’ Day nationwide.

3

2020: OUR FUTURE Art Drop

We collaborated with Ernesto Yereno, Arlene Mejorado, and Shalene Joseph (A’aniih/Athabascan) to create the “Our Future” poster and communicate the power voting has in shaping our collective future.

4

2020 – Amplifier Art Campaign

We teamed up with Amplifier and Nia Tero to launch a public art campaign that elevated Indigenous land stewardship and the relationship between Indigenous sovereignty and Black liberation. We collaborated with several artists, including Gregg Deal (Pyramid Lake Paiute), Mer Young (Hidalgo Otomi and Mescarelo-Chiricahua Apache), Weshoyot Alvitre (Tongva), and Lmnopi, to bring this art to life.

5

2021: Indigenous Peoples Day Spotify Playlist

We curated a playlist of 62 songs by Indigenous artists to celebrate their creative expression and encourage listeners to Indigenize their own playlists.

Credit: LMNOPI / Amplifier

Credit: Ernesto Yerena (Yaqui/Xicano)

Credit: LMNOPI / Amplifier

RESOURCES

Photo of the cover of For Our Future: An Advocate'S Guide to Supporting Indigenous People's Day

FOR OUR FUTURE: AN ADVOCATE’S GUIDE TO SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY

It’s important that we acknowledge that Americans have been fed a false history. The story told of Native peoples in history books erases the trauma and persecution carried out upon Native communities and ignores the truth of our resiliency and strength. Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day is an important part of our movement.

Download

Photo of the cover of the Land Acknowledgement Guide

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT GUIDE

As part of an effort by Native peoples and allies, land acknowledgments help ensure the true history of the land occupied is told, honored, and Native perspectives are centered. This guide is provided to support Native and non-Native allies as they seek to be truth tellers.

Download