List of states celebrating Indigenous People's Day in 2025- Here's a comprehensive overview

Indigenous Peoples’ Day continues to grow in recognition across the United States. This began as a movement in the 1970s and has now evolved into a national moment of reflection and respect for Native American culture, with more states officially observing the day alongside or instead of, Columbus Day.

A total of 17 states and Washington, D.C., now recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, according to the Pew Research Center. The holiday, observed on the second Monday of October, continues to replace or accompany Columbus Day in many regions across the United States, as per a report by Newsweek and The AP.

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Which states officially celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

Six states-Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Alabama, observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a paid holiday alongside Columbus Day. Alabama refers to it as American Indian Heritage Day.

Four states-Maine, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Vermont, celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a paid holiday on its own. Maine, New Mexico, and Vermont replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2019. South Dakota, which led the shift decades earlier, renamed the holiday Native American Day in 1990, according to ACLU South Dakota, as per a report by Newsweek and The AP.

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Seven additional states, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Wisconsin, recognize it as an unpaid holiday, with various local events and cultural observances marking the day, as per a report by Newsweek and The AP.

How did Indigenous Peoples’ Day begin?

The idea of celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day has existed for decades. It first gained momentum in the 1970s, when Native American communities began advocating for a day that honors their history and culture while acknowledging the challenges they continue to face.

In 2021, former President Joe Biden issued the first-ever presidential proclamation for Indigenous Peoples’ Day, marking a turning point in national recognition. The day aims to celebrate Indigenous resilience, contributions, and heritage while addressing the lasting effects of colonization, as per a report by Newsweek and The AP.

Why do some states still recognize Columbus Day?

Despite growing recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, 13 states still observe Columbus Day as a paid holiday without acknowledging Indigenous heritage. These include Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Utah, and West Virginia.

However, some of those states, such as Illinois, Missouri, Utah, and West Virginia, celebrate Indigenous culture on different days, often as unpaid holidays. Maryland, meanwhile, observes it as a paid holiday at another time, as per a report by Newsweek and The AP.

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The continued debate over Columbus Day centers on historical accountability. Critics cite Christopher Columbus’s mistreatment of Indigenous people and the colonization that followed his voyages. In response, many communities use Indigenous Peoples’ Day as both a celebration and a moment of protest, honoring the strength and survival of Native peoples while calling for broader recognition of their history.

As of 2025, the trend toward recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day continues to expand, marking a meaningful shift in how America acknowledges its past and celebrates its diverse cultural roots.

FAQs

How many states celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2025?
A total of 17 states and Washington, D.C., observe the holiday.

Why do some states not celebrate Columbus Day?
Many reject it due to Christopher Columbus’s mistreatment of Indigenous people and the impacts of European colonization.