Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the enduring spirit and pivotal role of Indigenous Peoples in advancing human rights, catalyzing social transformation, and championing environmental justice. We are invisible no more!

In October 1992, the Bay Area Indian Alliance presented the Berkeley City Council with a proposal to designate Columbus Day as a “Day of Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples,” effectively reclassifying the observance as “Indigenous Peoples’ Day.” For many Indigenous communities across Turtle Island and around the world, Columbus Day has historically served as a day of mourning.

On the weekend of October 10, 1992, Eagle Thunder Records recording artist Robby Romero performed at the “All Our Colors” concert, presented by Bill Graham Presents. The event, a weekend-long celebration of Indigenous culture and music, took place at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California. Romero, accompanied by his mother and prominent Indigenous leaders such as Dennis Banks and Oren Lyons, highlighted the art of Indigenous resistance and resilience. The musical program included Native drum groups and dance troupes, with performances by mainstream artists such as Carlos Santana, Bonnie Raitt, John Lee Hooker, Steve Miller, and many others.

The remarkable resilience of Indigenous Peoples since the arrival of European immigrants in 1492, on our ancestral shores, is a testament to 533 years of Indigenous survivance. Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have lived in harmony with Mother Earth and all living beings. This respect and teachings of our ancestors are passed down to the coming generations.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day offers a paradigm shift from merely occupying Mother Earth to living in harmony with her.