This year’s Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrated on the second Monday of October, is taking on a special significance for Native Americans across the United States. While the day honors their rich history and culture, many events are focusing on voter mobilization and outreach, recognizing the crucial role Native voters play in the upcoming election.
From a vibrant voting rally in Minneapolis, complete with food, games, and raffles, to a thought-provoking public talk about the Native vote at Virginia Tech, the day will feature a diverse range of activities geared toward empowering Native communities to participate in the democratic process. This heightened focus on voter engagement comes as the country prepares to elect its next president, highlighting the significance of every vote.
Janeen Comenote, executive director of the National Urban Indian Family Coalition, emphasizes the importance of mobilizing Native voters, highlighting the diverse perspectives within the community. “We’re really all about just getting Native voters out to vote, not telling them how to vote,” she explains. “But sort of understanding that you have a voice and you’re a democracy, a democracy that we helped create.”
In Arizona, the National Urban Indian Family Coalition has partnered with the Phoenix Indian Center to host a town hall titled “Democracy Is Indigenous: Power Of The Native Vote.” This event will feature insightful speakers, captivating performances, and thought-provoking Indigenous artwork centered on the theme of democracy.
Further east, in Apex, North Carolina, the coalition is working with the Triangle Native American Society to organize a celebration that will include a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924. This event will also offer a nonpartisan voter information booth with valuable resources and giveaways.
While Indigenous Peoples Day is not a federal holiday, it is officially observed by 17 states, including Washington, South Dakota, and Maine, as well as Washington, D.C., according to the Pew Research Center. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of Indigenous Peoples and their vital role in shaping the future of the United States.