LOCALIZE IT: Indigenous Peoples Day is Monday. Here’s what’s happening near you

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.

In 2021, 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.”

In the coming days, Native American people from Alcatraz Island to New York City will honor their centuries-long history of resilience with ceremonies, dances, rallies and more. We have partnered with the Indigenous-led news organization ICT to share many of these events with you here.

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BUT FIRST, SOME FACTS: IS INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY A FEDERAL HOLIDAY?

Indigenous Peoples Day is typically observed on the second Monday in October, the same day as Columbus Day, a federal holiday established decades ago to recognize Columbus’ sighting in 1492 of what came to be known as the Americas.

Although Indigenous Peoples Day is not a federal holiday, 17 states — including Washington, South Dakota and Maine — as well as Washington, D.C., have holidays honoring Native Americans, according to the Pew Research Center. Many of these state holidays are paired with Columbus Day or replace it altogether. Dozens of cities and school systems also observe Indigenous Peoples Day.

Last year, Anchorage, Alaska, and Phoenix became two of the latest municipalities to officially designate Indigenous Peoples Day a holiday.

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PAST AP COVERAGE

What is Indigenous Peoples Day? A day of celebration, protest and reclaiming history

Biden is first president to mark Indigenous Peoples’ Day

100 years ago, US citizenship for Native Americans came without voting rights in swing states

Native Americans in Montana ask court for voting sites on reservation

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Localize It is a resource produced regularly by The Associated Press for its customers’ use. Questions can be directed to Katie Oyan at [email protected].