On Monday, Native Americans throughout the United States will unite to observe Indigenous Peoples Day, an occasion dedicated to honoring their history and culture while also highlighting the prevalent issues they continue to confront. This year’s celebrations will prominently focus on mobilizing Native voter participation, given that Election Day is just a few weeks away.
Various events are set for the holiday, including a voting rally in Minneapolis that promises food, games, and raffles, as well as a public discussion regarding the Native vote at Virginia Tech. These initiatives are not only designed to celebrate Indigenous identity but also to raise awareness about the significant impact Native votes can have in elections.
The influence of Native voters was notably evident in the last presidential election. In 2020, there was a substantial increase in voter turnout on tribal lands within Arizona, which played a key role in Joe Biden’s victory in a state that hadn’t backed a Democratic candidate in a presidential election since 1996.
Janeen Comenote, the executive director of the National Urban Indian Family Coalition, emphasized the importance of mobilizing Native voters especially in a presidential election year. She affirmed that Native voters possess diverse perspectives and are not a single entity when it comes to political preferences.
“We focus on encouraging Native voters to cast their ballots without dictating how they should vote,” Comenote explained, highlighting the importance of recognizing their voices in a democracy that they have had a significant role in shaping. Comenote is a member of the Quinault Indian Nation.
In Arizona, the coalition is collaborating with the Phoenix Indian Center to organize a town hall event titled “Democracy Is Indigenous: Power Of The Native Vote.” This event will feature various speakers, performances, and Indigenous artwork that emphasizes the essence of democracy.
Similarly, in Apex, North Carolina, roughly 14 miles southwest of Raleigh, the coalition is partnering with the Triangle Native American Society to host a celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924. This event will also offer nonpartisan voter resources and giveaways.
Indigenous Peoples Day, while not recognized as a federal holiday, is observed in 17 states, including Washington, South Dakota, and Maine, as well as Washington, D.C., according to data from the Pew Research Center. The day typically falls on the second Monday of October, coinciding with the federal Columbus Day holiday.