Honoring Indigenous Peoples' Day
As our student community takes time to rest during Fall Break, we pause today to honor Indigenous Peoples' Day.
Celebrated on the second Monday of October, Indigenous Peoples’ Day first gained official recognition in 1991 (in Berkeley, California) as a movement to counter the harmful narratives of colonialism and center the true, enduring histories of Native nations. Today, and every day, we honor the rich cultures, resilience, and vital contributions of Indigenous communities.
Indigenous communities continue to resist systemic violence, erasure, and disenfranchisement. Honoring Indigenous peoples requires a year-round commitment to action: elevating their voices, supporting Indigenous-led sovereignty movements, challenging stereotypes, and celebrating Indigenous joy and creativity.
Moving beyond today means embedding support into our everyday habits:
-
Read books and scholarship by Indigenous authors.
-
Research the ancestral lands you inhabit.
-
Support Indigenous artists, creators, and businesses.
-
Invest in Indigenous-led organizations and movements.
-
Respect sacred sites, cultural traditions, and Tribal sovereignty.
-
Challenge misinformation, harmful stereotypes, and colonial narratives.
As our campus rests on lands originally cared for by Indigenous communities, taking time to learn about local history, understand ongoing injustices, and support Native-led initiatives are vital steps beyond a written statement. One such resource you can use to learn more about ancestral lands, including the one UMBC resides on, and the lands you call home, is Native-Land.ca. Please note this resource does not represent official or legal boundaries of Indigenous nations. Today and beyond, we encourage all to engage, learn, and uplift Indigenous peoples and communities.
Interested in getting connected on campus? Check out the Indigenous Peoples Union myUMBC page and Instagram. Interested in learning more about supporting the greater Baltimore region? Check out the Baltimore American Indian Center.
Want to learn more and are interested in literary works by Indigenous authors? Check out this book list. Inside The Mosaic Center, you can find children's literature centering Indigenous authors and stories. Stop by during our open hours to learn more.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all Indigenous faculty, staff, and students at UMBC.