This resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating the second Monday in October 2025 as Indigenous Peoples' Day to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples.
Martin Heinrich
Senator
NM
This resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating the second Monday in October 2025 as "Indigenous Peoples' Day." It formally recognizes the invaluable contributions of Indigenous Peoples to the United States and encourages public observance to celebrate their history and culture. The measure also voices support for establishing this day as an official Federal holiday.
Congress Backs Indigenous Peoples' Day for October 2025: A Formal Nod to History and Culture
This resolution is essentially Congress making a formal statement—a big, official nod—supporting the designation of the second Monday in October 2025 as "Indigenous Peoples' Day." Unlike a law that changes regulations or budgets, this is the Senate using its voice to acknowledge history, honor culture, and encourage public education.
The Historical Acknowledgment
The resolution recognizes that many cities and 17 states already celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day on the same day as the federal Columbus Day. The core of the statement is that the current federal holiday doesn't provide a chance to reflect on the history and incredible perseverance of Indigenous Peoples who were here long before Western contact. Crucially, the text doesn't shy away from acknowledging that this contact often led to the suppression, forced assimilation, and, tragically, genocide of those cultures.
Why This Matters for the Everyday Citizen
While this resolution doesn't immediately change your schedule or give you a new day off, it signals a significant shift in national focus. The Senate is officially recognizing the profound contributions Indigenous Peoples have made to the U.S. through their knowledge, science, art, and culture. For busy people, this means a likely increase in educational focus around that time—think more school programs, museum events, and media coverage aimed at providing a more complete picture of American history.
Paving the Way for a Federal Holiday
The resolution’s final point is the most forward-looking: it voices support for making Indigenous Peoples' Day an official Federal holiday. This is the Senate saying they back the idea of national recognition, which would require separate, more complex legislation later on. If that were to happen, the second Monday in October would become a guaranteed day off for federal employees and many bank workers, replacing or running alongside the current Columbus Day designation. For now, though, this resolution is the formal encouragement for everyone to observe the day with ceremonies and activities that celebrate and educate about Indigenous Peoples, their history, and their traditions.