California Honors Indigenous Peoples’ Day as Governor Newsom Proclaims October 13th, Highlighting Culture and Historical Reckoning

SACRAMENTO, CA – Governor Gavin Newsom has officially proclaimed October 13, 2025, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in California, marking the seventh formal observance of this significant occasion in the state. This proclamation underscores a commitment to honoring the rich heritage, enduring strength, and profound connection to land and water held by Indigenous peoples who call California home.

A Day to Celebrate Resilience and Culture

Indigenous Peoples’ Day serves as a vital counterpoint to the traditional Columbus Day narrative, focusing instead on celebrating the resilience, adaptability, and vibrant culture of Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. It acknowledges the lasting impact of colonization while celebrating the continuations of Indigenous ways of life, languages, traditions, and families. Governor Newsom’s proclamation specifically celebrates acts of bravery, kindness, and solidarity that stem from a legacy of survival and adaptation, citing historical examples such as the Choctaw people’s generosity during times of famine and the contributions of various Indigenous soldiers.

The Growing Movement for Recognition

The movement to establish Indigenous Peoples’ Day gained significant momentum in the 1970s, driven by Indigenous activists seeking to shift national focus from the glorification of colonization to a more accurate acknowledgment of Native American history, survival, and culture. The idea was first proposed at a United Nations conference in 1977 concerning discrimination against Indigenous populations. By the early 1990s, cities like Berkeley, California, began replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This groundswell of support culminated in a presidential proclamation by President Joe Biden in 2021, marking the first time a U.S. president formally recognized the holiday, underscoring its growing importance across the American landscape.

California’s Evolving Recognition of Indigenous Peoples

California has been at the forefront of this evolving national narrative. Governor Newsom’s proclamation highlights the state’s ongoing efforts to reckon with historical injustices and promote inclusion for Native peoples. This year’s proclamation specifically honors those who originate from California and maintain deep connections to its lands and waters, as well as those who have brought their cultures and families from afar across generations. The governor’s office noted that this day celebrates qualities exemplified by Indigenous peoples as “the most American of values,” referencing their grit, adaptability, and generosity of spirit. The state has also been proactive legislatively, with figures like Assemblymember James C. Ramos (a member of the Cahuilla tribe and the first Native American elected to the California Legislature) championing bills that support tribal priorities. Recent legislative successes include measures protecting students’ rights to wear tribal regalia at graduation ceremonies, advancing the repatriation of ancestral remains, and streamlining funding for tribal governments.

A National Shift Amidst Lingering Debates

Across the United States, the recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day continues to grow. As of 2025, seventeen U.S. states and Washington, D.C., observe the holiday in some capacity, either in place of or alongside Columbus Day. States like South Dakota, Maine, New Mexico, and Vermont have fully replaced Columbus Day, while others, including California, acknowledge it in various forms. This widespread adoption reflects a broader societal shift toward a more inclusive understanding of American history. However, Columbus Day remains a federal holiday, and debates continue in some regions about how to best acknowledge the complexities of the past.

Governor Newsom’s Continued Support for Native Communities

Governor Newsom’s proclamation is part of a larger effort by his administration to support California’s diverse Indigenous communities. This includes initiatives focused on climate action, economic opportunity, and addressing critical issues such as the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) crisis. The state has also released a Native American Studies Model Curriculum, developed in collaboration with tribes and scholars, to ensure that Native voices, cultures, and histories are accurately represented in education. The proclamation itself, and the broader news surrounding Indigenous Peoples’ Day, serves as a testament to the enduring spirit and significant contributions of Indigenous peoples to the fabric of American society and culture.

As Indigenous Peoples’ Day is observed, it offers an opportunity for reflection on historical truths, a celebration of vibrant Indigenous cultures, and a recommitment to upholding Indigenous sovereignty and promoting equity for all.