Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a holiday in the United States that celebrates and honors indigenous American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. It is celebrated across the United States on the second Monday in October, and is an official city and state holiday in Boston and Massachusetts.

On October 8, 2021, President Joe Biden became the first commander in chief to formally recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day by issuing a proclamation celebrating the holiday. The idea was first proposed by Indigenous peoples at a United Nations conference in 1977 held to address discrimination against Natives, as NPR has reported. But South Dakota became the first state to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 1989, officially celebrating it the following year.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Events Happening Around Our Clubs

• 3rd Annual Indigenous Peoples Day Ceremonial Celebration in Newton
  • Held on Monday, October 9 at Albemarle Field from 11am-5pm, this all-day outdoor event celebrates and amplifies the voices of Indigenous peoples in the Northeast and beyond.
• Free Admission at the MFA – October 9
  • Enjoy free admission on Indigenous Peoples’ Day with a valid Massachusetts zip code and take a tour of MFA’s galleries featuring 20th-century Native art from the Southwest and Indigenous cultural traditions across the U.S. and Canada.
• Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration in Brookline
  • Held on Monday, October 9 from 2-5pm at Town Hall, the event will be both indoors and outdoors with speakers, Indigenous art and craft vendors, advocacy organizations, and food from local Brookline businesses.
• Indigenous Peoples’ Day Event at Berklee College of Music
  • Held on Thursday, October 12 at 11am, this performance will feature a variety of musicians, dancers, scholars and writers speaking.

Articles on the Significance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day

• New York Times
• Native Knowledge 360
• NPR
• Boston.gov

Please note that our clubs will be open on Monday, October 9, but we encourage you to join us as we listen, learn and honor the heritage of Native Americans and Indigenous peoples.