Moving Beyond Acknowledgment: Indigenous Peoples’ Day and White Responsibility
Every October, I notice an increasing number of cities and states swapping out Columbus Day for Indigenous Peoples’ Day. On the surface, it appears to be progress--a long-overdue acknowledgment of Indigenous communities and their resilience. Our current government is trying to reverse even this acknowledgment, which is all the more reason we need to remain rooted in our conviction.
I’ve learned that for those of us who are white, acknowledgment is only the beginning. Land acknowledgments, social media posts, and rebranded holidays can feel like action. They’re not meaningless, but without follow-through, they risk becoming performative, empty gestures. Saying the “right words” isn’t the work. Real solidarity means offering something up: our time, our money, our comfort, our power.
I try to treat Indigenous Peoples’ Day not as a pat on the back but as a call to accountability. A few questions I ask myself:
Whose land am I living on? Have I taken the time to learn the names of the Nations that were here first?
What is the current reality for Indigenous people where I live?
Who are the Indigenous leaders and organizations near me? Do I follow them, listen to them, amplify their work?
These are some of the ways we can practice moving beyond acknowledgment:
Giving money directly to Indigenous-led organizations or mutual aid efforts.
Showing up for campaigns and protests led by Indigenous communities.
Challenging myths about colonization and Indigenous history in my own family, workplace, or community.
Advocating for policies that return land, fund Native education, and protect Indigenous sovereignty.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day can serve as a marker, but it shouldn’t be the only time we think about Indigenous justice. Just like anti-racism, this work is ongoing. Acknowledgment is the doorway, not the destination. As white people, we have a responsibility not only to name the harms of colonization but to actively help dismantle them. Every October, instead of simply saying “Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day,” let’s ask ourselves: What am I actually doing to stand in solidarity?
See you on the journey,
Robin
A video of a renowned late Egyptian feminist writer from 2015 has gone viral for being a masterclass in decolonization and how language shapes how global events are understood and perceived: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DM-Xg-HSQUL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
PISAB North East Regional Undoing Racisms and Community Organizing Workshop: November 14-16, 2025: https://pisab.salsalabs.org/20250034PINERegionalNovemberinpersonWorkshop/index.html
CSWAC: Register to attend their 3rd Annual Conference on Building Anti-Racist Multiracial Community: Now More Than Ever. Click HERE to learn more and to register.
Dr. Diane Goodman Presents: Facilitating Challenging Discussions: Tools for Constructive Conversations - Click HERE to learn more and to register.
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