Congress Backs Formal Recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day in October 2025

This resolution is Congress making a formal statement—a big, symbolic nod—to designate the second Monday in October 2025 as "Indigenous Peoples' Day." Think of it as the House of Representatives officially saying, "We see you, we honor you, and we support celebrating your history and culture."

The Official Acknowledgment

What this resolution does is put Congress on record acknowledging two key things. First, it recognizes the immense contributions Indigenous Peoples have made to the United States across science, art, philosophy, and knowledge. Second, and perhaps more importantly, it formally acknowledges the painful history of Western contact, including the forced assimilation and genocide that Indigenous communities suffered. This isn't just about celebrating; it’s about correcting the historical record and confronting past harms.

What This Means for Your Calendar

Right now, the second Monday in October is officially Columbus Day, a federal holiday. This resolution doesn't change federal law, meaning post offices and federal banks aren't suddenly closing for a new holiday. Instead, it’s Congress expressing support for the movement already underway in 17 states and many cities that currently observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day on that same date. It encourages everyone—from local governments to schools and community groups—to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities that raise awareness about Indigenous history and culture.

Building Momentum for a Federal Holiday

While this resolution is non-binding, it’s a powerful step toward a bigger goal. The text explicitly states that the House supports making Indigenous Peoples’ Day an official Federal holiday down the road. For the average person, this means that the conversation about historical recognition is gaining serious traction at the national level. It’s a signal that the push to shift the focus of the October holiday from a controversial figure to the original inhabitants of this land is moving from local efforts to the halls of Congress. If you live in a state that doesn’t currently recognize the day, this resolution adds weight to local efforts to adopt it, encouraging broader public education and appreciation for Indigenous heritage.