On October 13, we come together to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day — a time to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples while acknowledging the ongoing strength and resilience of Indigenous nations.
The observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day has grown over the years to offer a broader perspective on the diverse peoples who have long inhabited and cared for the land. The movement began in 1977, at a United Nations conference where Native leaders advocated for a celebration that honors Indigenous peoples worldwide. The first official observance took place in 1992 in Berkeley, California. Since then, the holiday has gained national momentum — with states, cities, and tribal governments across the U.S. officially recognizing it as a day of reflection, education, and celebration.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day encourages all people to learn about Native histories and communities, to support cultural preservation and engage with initiatives focused on community well-being. It reminds us that Native history is not confined to the past — it is a living, thriving story of endurance, creativity, and care for the earth and community.
One powerful example of Indigenous-led healing work is the Tribal Boarding School Toolkit for Healing, developed by the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) in partnership with the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Kauffman & Associates, Inc. (KAI).
This comprehensive toolkit supports educators, health professionals, and Tribal leaders in understanding the ongoing impacts of the federal Indian boarding school era — a system that, for more than a century, sought to strip Native children of their language, culture, and identity. Through a combination of history, discussion guides, and culturally grounded healing activities, the toolkit helps users facilitate trauma-informed conversations and community-based healing.
It emphasizes healing-centered practices rooted in Indigenous culture — storytelling, ceremony, language revitalization, and art — as ways to rebuild connection and resilience across generations.
The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) also provides related initiatives, such as Healing Frameworks: Understanding ACEs in Indigenous Communities, which explores how adverse childhood experiences and historical trauma affect Native families — and how Indigenous knowledge can guide recovery.
As we observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, it is an opportunity to listen, learn, and support efforts that promote healing, cultural understanding, and community strength.
To explore the Tribal Boarding School Toolkit for Healing, visit www.npaihb.org.