Story perspectives

Indigenous Peoples Day Gains Official Status in Montana

10/14/2025

Center

Biden Celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day

Indigenous Peoples Day is observed on October 13 to celebrate Native American history and culture and acknowledge Indigenous challenges.
Seventeen states and Washington, D.C., officially honor the day, often alongside Columbus Day.
In 2021, President Joe Biden issued the first presidential proclamation for Indigenous Peoples Day, contrasting with Donald Trump's Columbus proclamation.
In Montana, this year marks the first official recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day as a legal holiday.

Right

Bills Acknowledge Indigenous Day

The Buffalo Bills celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day on social media, sparking mixed reactions from fans, amid a broader movement to counter Columbus Day.
President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation honoring Columbus and emphasized his significance to Italian Americans.
Columbus Day has been a federal holiday since 1971, with many advocating reevaluation of its historical implications.
The Bills’ post also acknowledged Canadian Thanksgiving in Buffalo, New York.

Left

Trump Reinstates Columbus Day

Donald J. Trump, President, reinstated Columbus Day as a stand-alone holiday in 2025, omitting Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
He called Columbus "the original American hero" and sought to reclaim his legacy from "left-wing arsonists".
Indigenous advocacy groups criticized the move as erasing Native histories and undermining reconciliation efforts.
Supporters described the decision as a defense of tradition.
In the Peruvian Amazon, 36 Indigenous communities reduced deforestation by 52% through satellite alerts.

History

Historical Context

In 1977, discussions at the International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in Geneva led to the proposal of Indigenous Peoples Day as an alternative to Columbus Day. In 2021, President Joe Biden officially recognized this day, reflecting a growing movement across the U.S. to honor Native American history and address the impacts of colonization, with at least 17 states now observing it.

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Biden Celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day

Indigenous Peoples Day is observed on October 13 to celebrate Native American history and culture and acknowledge Indigenous challenges.
Seventeen states and Washington, D.C., officially honor the day, often alongside Columbus Day.
In 2021, President Joe Biden issued the first presidential proclamation for Indigenous Peoples Day, contrasting with Donald Trump's Columbus proclamation.
In Montana, this year marks the first official recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day as a legal holiday.

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