What to Expect on Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Nevada
As many states across the U.S. celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 14, Nevadans will celebrate, too, although not officially.
The holiday called Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which began as a counter-culture celebration of Indigenous People on the U.S. federal holiday of Columbus Day, was commemorated for the first time by President Joe Biden in 2021 (and again in 2022 and 2023).
It is federally recognized alongside Columbus Day, which celebrates Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. Columbus Day has been observed on the second Monday of October since 1937.
Though it is not recognized on the second Monday by the Silver State, Indigenous Peoples’ Day has replaced Columbus Day in approximately 29 states and Washington, D.C., according to USA Today. Some states deliver a proclamation, while others treat it as an official holiday. Meanwhile, about 216 U.S. cities have renamed or replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, according to renamecolumbusday.org.
The day focuses on the history, culture, and teachings of Native Americans while remembering injustices against Indigenous communities and calling attention to ongoing inequities.
Nevada’s Indigenous People
Nevada is home to nearly 53,000 American Indian and Alaska Native residents (1.7 percent of the total population), as well as many mixed-race Native Americans, according to U.S. Census estimates. Additionally, the state has 21 federally recognized tribes spanning 28 reservations, bands, colonies, and community councils, according to the University of Nevada’s Office of Indigenous Relations in Reno.
Nevada began commemorating Indigenous Peoples’ Day on August 9, following a Governor’s proclamation in 2017. The Governor continues to sign a new proclamation every August. The Nevada Department of Native American Affairs, however, wants it moved to the second Monday of October in place of Columbus Day.
Calls to the Governor’s office and the Nevada Department of Native American Affairs were not returned as of press time.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Where Nevada stands
Despite the difference in dates, several cities and counties in Nevada recognize Indigenous People’s Day on Columbus Day. The City of Reno, for instance, recognized its first official Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2019.
In Nevada’s most populous county, Clark County in Southern Nevada, efforts to officially designate Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Columbus Day have legislatively failed twice. After the second failed attempt in 2019, the Clark County Commission unanimously agreed to recognize Indigenous People’s Day on Columbus Day. This is not a law, and it does not replace Columbus Day.
In years past, the City of Las Vegas has held ceremonials at City Council meetings for Indigenous People’s Day and other recognitions of Native American people and groups. This year, the city is working with the Las Vegas Indian Center to support its Rock the Vote event, which will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Las Vegas Indian Center, 2300 W Bonanza Rd, Las Vegas.
Since this is the first year that Nevada’s tribal residents can vote in a general election, the Rock the Vote event will educate the Las Vegas Indigenous community on using the state’s online voting system. There will also be free T-shirts and Indian tacos.
Finally, the City of North Las Vegas is going all out with an Indigenous People’s Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 14 at the Neighborhood Rec Center, 1638 N. Bruce Street. There will be food, drinks, games, and more.
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