Acknowledging Indigenous Peoples’ Day in a corporate setting is an opportunity to recognize the histories and cultures of Native peoples. The goal is to move beyond passive observance toward active, respectful engagement. This requires a thoughtful approach that prioritizes authenticity and provides employees with avenues for learning and participation.
Understand the Significance of the Day
Indigenous Peoples’ Day, celebrated on the second Monday of October, is a holiday that honors the past, present, and futures of Native peoples. Its placement on the calendar serves as a direct counter-celebration to Columbus Day. For many, Columbus’s arrival in the Americas represents the beginning of centuries of violence and displacement for Indigenous populations, and acknowledging this day is an act of respecting this history.
The movement to replace Columbus Day gained momentum in 1989 when South Dakota became the first state to make the change. Since then, numerous states, cities, and organizations have followed, choosing to celebrate the people who have stewarded this land for generations. Observing this day in the workplace is a statement that the company recognizes the full scope of American history and stands in solidarity with Indigenous communities.
This recognition helps to elevate Native voices and stories that have often been marginalized or silenced. It shifts the focus from a narrative of discovery to one of acknowledgment and respect for the people who were already here.
Educational Initiatives for the Workplace
An effective way to observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day is by dedicating resources to workplace education. This can involve inviting a local Indigenous storyteller or a respected community speaker to share their knowledge and experiences. A ‘lunch and learn’ session is an engaging and accessible format for this, and these events provide a direct connection to the living cultures and histories of local tribes.
Another initiative is to curate and distribute educational materials. This could include a list of books and articles by Indigenous authors, documentaries that explore Native history and contemporary issues, or podcasts that feature Indigenous voices. By providing these resources, a company empowers its employees to learn independently and at their own pace.
A formal land acknowledgment is another educational practice. This involves researching and publicly recognizing the specific Indigenous nation whose traditional territory the company’s office is on, honoring the historic relationship between the land and its original stewards. Sharing this information in a company-wide meeting or on the corporate website can begin conversations about local Indigenous history.
Support Indigenous Communities and Creators
Beyond education, tangible support for Indigenous communities is a direct way to honor the spirit of the day. One action is to use corporate funds to support Indigenous-owned businesses. This can take the form of catering a company lunch from a local Indigenous-owned restaurant or purchasing goods for employees from Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Companies can also review their procurement policies to incorporate Indigenous creators and suppliers into their regular purchasing. This could mean sourcing office art from Native artists or buying corporate gifts from Indigenous-owned companies. This practice extends the recognition beyond a single day and integrates support into the company’s operational fabric.
Making a corporate donation to a vetted, Indigenous-led nonprofit organization is another way to offer support. Companies can research organizations working on issues like language revitalization, cultural preservation, or community health. Involving employees by matching their personal donations can further amplify the impact.
Foster an Inclusive Environment Year-Round
True commitment to supporting Indigenous communities extends beyond a single day and involves fostering an inclusive environment year-round. One way to achieve this is by supporting the creation of an Indigenous Employee Resource Group (ERG). An ERG can provide a dedicated space for Indigenous employees to build community, share resources, and advocate for their needs within the company.
Reviewing and adapting company policies is another step. This includes examining hiring and recruitment practices to ensure they are reaching and attracting talent from Indigenous communities. It can also involve building long-term partnerships with tribal colleges or professional organizations.
Making Indigenous Peoples’ Day an official paid company holiday provides employees with the time to participate in community events or personal reflection. Whether or not it is an official state holiday, a company can make this choice independently. This action signals that the company values the day’s importance and respects the need for employees to observe it meaningfully.
What to Avoid When Celebrating
Avoid Stereotypes and Caricatures
Avoid decorations or activities that rely on generic or harmful stereotypes. Using imagery like tipis, headdresses, or cartoonish caricatures reduces diverse and distinct cultures to a simplistic and often offensive monolith. These symbols are often disconnected from the specific tribal nations in a company’s region and can perpetuate damaging misconceptions.
Do Not Tolerate Cultural Appropriation
Cultural appropriation must be actively prevented. This means establishing clear guidelines that activities like wearing sacred regalia, such as a headdress, as a costume are unacceptable. These items hold deep spiritual and cultural significance and treating them as accessories is profoundly disrespectful. The focus should be on appreciation and learning, not imitation.
Avoid Placing the Burden on Indigenous Employees
While their involvement can be valuable, Indigenous employees should not be expected to lead, organize, or educate their colleagues. Asking them to take on this labor can be tokenizing and places an unfair burden on them. If Indigenous employees do volunteer to participate or lead an initiative, they should be compensated for their time and expertise, just as any external consultant would be.
Look Beyond a Single Day of Recognition
Avoid creating a one-day performative event. A single day of recognition without ongoing commitment can appear insincere. The actions taken on Indigenous Peoples’ Day should be a starting point for a deeper, sustained engagement with Indigenous communities and issues.