Indigenous Peoples Day 2025: Honoring Heritage, Resilience, and Community

On October 13, 2025, San José Public Library invites you to join us in celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day—an opportunity to recognize the rich cultures, contributions, and histories of Indigenous peoples, especially those who call California home. 

The Origins and Meaning of Indigenous Peoples’ Day 

Indigenous Peoples’ Day was established as a response to Columbus Day, offering a chance to acknowledge the enduring presence and accomplishments of Native nations long before—and long after—European arrival. The holiday grew from Indigenous movements advocating for truth, healing, and recognition. Today, it serves both as a reminder of historical injustices and as a celebration of Native resilience and cultural flourishing.

California’s Enduring Commitment 

California stands at the forefront of these efforts. With over 100 federally recognized tribes and additional unrecognized Native communities, the state’s annual proclamations and ongoing partnerships with tribal nations set an important example. By officially recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day, California reaffirms our state’s dedication to respecting Tribal sovereignty, promoting cultural awareness, and working toward justice and equity for Indigenous peoples. Statewide legislation and local initiatives support Indigenous languages, preserve historic sites, include Native voices in school curricula, and address social and economic disparities. Our library is proud to play a role by sharing Indigenous stories and perspectives through our collections and programs.

Children up to age 12 are invited to join us October 10 for Friday Fun at Pearl Avenue branch, making corn husk and paper dolls inspired by Indigenous traditions—free supplies provided, no registration needed! 

Navigating National Changes, Focusing Local Strength 

In recent years, national recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day has faced setbacks. Federal proclamations that once acknowledged the day have been reversed, and some programs that supported Native communities have been rolled back. These developments highlight the challenges that Indigenous peoples continue to face—and the vital importance of local and state action. Despite these changes at the national level, California remains unwavering in its recognition and celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This local leadership demonstrates the power of community, advocacy, and solidarity. It shows that lasting progress is built from the ground up, rooted in a genuine commitment to honoring Indigenous peoples’ past, present, and future.

SJPL offers staff curated booklists featuring indigenous voices for all ages.

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Why Indigenous Peoples’ Day Matters 

For Indigenous peoples, this holiday is about more than replacing one observance with another. It’s a call to remember, reflect, and move forward together. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is: 

• Acknowledgment of historical truths and the harms of colonization.
• Celebration of living cultures and languages and the contributions of Native peoples.
• An opportunity for all of us to learn, support, and build respectful relationships.
• A chance to amplify Indigenous voices and priorities, both in California and beyond.

Check out SJPL's other blogs that promote Native American and Indigenous voices, opens a new window.

Join Us at the Library 

This Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we invite you to explore our books by Indigenous authors and deepen your understanding of Native histories and contemporary experiences. Libraries are places of learning and community—and together, we play a part in supporting Indigenous resilience and sharing stories that matter. Let us honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day with respect, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to justice, here in California and wherever we can make a difference.