In honor of Indigenous Peoples' Day all Santa Clara County Libraries will be closed. The county online library is available 24/7!
Indigenous Peoples' Day, celebrated on the second Monday in October, honors the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Native American communities across the nation. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of Indigenous peoples who have endured centuries of colonization, displacement, and cultural erasure.
The movement to establish Indigenous Peoples’ Day began in 1977 during a United Nations conference on discrimination against Indigenous populations. The first official celebration of this day was in Berkeley California, in 1992. Over time, many states, cities, and institutions have adopted the holiday, replacing Columbus Day to reflect a more inclusive and accurate history. In 2021, 2022 and 2023 President Joe Biden formally commemorated Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a holiday.
Indigenous Peoples' Day encourages reflection on the true history of the land, acknowledging the injustices faced by Indigenous communities and their ongoing struggles for sovereignty, cultural preservation, and environmental justice. It also celebrates the vibrant cultures, languages, and traditions that continue to thrive despite these challenges. The day calls for learning, understanding, and supporting Indigenous rights, amplifying Indigenous voices, and working toward a more inclusive society. As we observe Indigenous Peoples' Day, commit to honoring the past, celebrate the present, and strive for a future where Indigenous peoples can thrive.
Celebrate Indigenous authors by checking out one of these titles at your local library!
Indigenous Peoples' Day honors and celebrates the native people of America on Monday October 14th. Learn more about the rich culture of our country's native peoples' by checking out one of the items below at your local library!
