Indigenous Peoples' Day

Celebrated annually on the second Monday of October, Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the rich cultures and histories of Native American and Indigenous communities. This day shifts focus from traditional Columbus Day narratives to acknowledge Indigenous peoples’ resilience against historic oppressions, and those which they continue to resist today.  It serves as an opportunity to learn about diverse Native experiences and contributions that have shaped our shared history.

As we reflect on this day’s significance, we invite you to explore this curated selection of resources that showcase Indigenous voices and perspectives.

• The Kennedy Center
  • Two-Spirit Performance Artist Ty Defoe Performs 'Hoop Dance'
    Watch a PBS clip of Tisch Graduate Musical Theater alum and Grammy Award-winner Ty Defoe (Ojibwe Nation and Oneida Nation) perform “Hoop Dance”, one of the oldest Native dances, on the Kennedy Center Reach grounds. Last year, as part of the Kennedy Center’s 50th anniversary, Ty was announced as one of The Kennedy Center Next 50—50 leaders that, through sustained excellence of artistic, educational, athletic, or multi-disciplinary work, are lighting the way forward.
    
    
  • Native Pride Dancers
    Watch members of the Native Pride Dancers showcase four traditional Native American dances: the eagle, fancy, grass, and hoop dances. This resource offers a captivating introduction to these important cultural expressions, providing viewers with an opportunity to appreciate the skill, artistry, and significance of each dance style.

• The Lenape Center x The Brooklyn Public Library | Lenapehoking
  Explore the first Lenape-curated exhibition of cultural arts in New York City, now available online. Featuring both historic and contemporary works, Lenapehoking showcases the enduring beauty and resilience of Lenape culture. This exhibition offers a vital perspective on Indigenous history and Lenape presence in the heart of Lenapehoking - their name for the homeland centered around present-day New York City.

• Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian | Indelible
  This online exhibit juxtaposes 19th-century photographs with contemporary works by Native artists Larry McNeil (Tlingit/Nisga’a) and Will Wilson (Diné/Bilagáana), challenging historical narratives and showcasing the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples. Discover how a photographic technique became intertwined with cultural representation and resistance.

Visit our communications archive to read last year’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day message and engage with more resources!