What’s Changed Since 2021?
By IPD Philly’s Team
In February 2021, Indigenous Peoples’ Day was officially recognized as a city holiday in Philadelphia through an executive order issued by Mayor Jim Kenney. Indigenous Peoples’ Day Philly welcomed this historic decision, which reflected years of Indigenous-led advocacy and organizing.
The executive order was part of Philadelphia’s Pathways to Reform, Transformation, and Reconciliation initiative—an effort to confront systemic racism, acknowledge historical harms, and begin building a more just and inclusive city.
Later that same year, a biased and racially charged lawsuit was filed against the Mayor in response to the recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Rooted in misinformation, the lawsuit sought to undermine Indigenous visibility, erase Indigenous histories, and dismiss the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples. Indigenous Peoples’ Day Philly strongly condemned this attack on truth and justice.
Fast forward to August 6, 2025: the same plaintiffs succeeded in persuading a Pennsylvania court to rule in their favor. The court declared that only City Council has the authority to designate city holidays and ordered the reinstatement of Columbus Day.
This ruling may seem like a setback, but it will not weaken our movement. Instead, it clarifies the work ahead and fortifies our resolve.
✊🏽 We are unwavering in our commitment to:
- – Preserve and perpetuate Indigenous cultures
- – Celebrate Indigenous resilience and survival
- – Provide truthful and accurate education about Indigenous histories
- – Ensure Indigenous visibility, dignity, and representation in Philadelphia
That’s why Indigenous Peoples’ Day Philly has launched the Year of Awareness: to educate the public, mobilize community power, and build unstoppable momentum to reinstate Indigenous Peoples’ Day through decisive legislative action.
📢 Join the movement. Celebrate, learn, and support Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Philly.
✅ Take action with us:
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🗞️⚡ Stay informed with our monthly updates: https://ipdphilly.org/newsletters/
🌐⏰ Take action NOW:https://ipdphilly.org/reinstate-ipd-now/
🌱💥 Donate to fuel the movement:https://ipdphilly.org/donate/
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🙏 Made possible in part by the support of individual donors and the People’s Media Fund Community Voices Grant.