Why Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Philly Matters
By IPD Philly’s Editor
Since October 12th, 2017, Indigenous Peoples’ Day Philly (IPD Philly) has proudly hosted an annual celebration honoring Indigenous communities in our city. In 2019, we moved the celebration to the historic Shackamaxon (Penn Treaty) Park, bringing together families, storytellers, singers, dancers, and educators to honor Lenape homelands and Indigenous communities from across the Americas and Caribbean.
Philadelphia is home to more than 23,000 Native people. Recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an official city holiday isn’t just symbolic—it is restorative. It affirms the contributions, resilience, and dignity of Indigenous Peoples who continue to shape our city.
The movement is growing. Many Philadelphians observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, either on the day itself or in the lead-up to it. Here are some state and local examples of how this day is celebrated:
- State Level: The Commonwealth’s official holiday calendar lists the second Monday in October as both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day, with state offices closed.
- Philadelphia: A 2021 executive order by former Mayor Jim Kenney replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a city holiday, but a 2025 court ruling invalidated this, restoring Columbus Day due to Kenney exceeding his authority, leading to ongoing debate and dual observance.
- Philadelphia School District (since 2022): Observes Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the second Monday in October, engaging students in learning about Indigenous cultures and histories.
- Museum of the American Revolution (since 2018): Hosts Indigenous Peoples’ Weekend, from the second Saturday through Monday of October, in collaboration with the Oneida Nation and Delaware Tribe of Indians.
- Native Nations Dance Theater (since 2011): In partnership with Ollin Yoliztli Calmecac, celebrates Philadelphia Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the first Saturday of October, later moving to the second Sunday at Bartram’s Garden in 2021.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is more than a date on the calendar—it is a celebration of culture, history, and resilience. Every year, the community grows stronger, louder, and more committed to honoring the Indigenous Peoples who have always been part of Philadelphia’s story.
📢 Join the movement. Celebrate, learn, and support Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Philly.
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🙏 Made possible in part by the support of individual donors and the People’s Media Fund Community Voices Grant.