The Choctaw Nation will shine its own light on Indigenous Peoples Day this month. In 2024, the Choctaw Tribal Council officially recognized the second Monday of each October as Indigenous Peoples Day, also known as Chahta Nittak or Choctaw Day.
Choctaw Day, this year on Monday, Oct. 13, is a time to honor the story of Choctaw people by reflecting on their resilience in the past and thriving culture of today.
Indigenous Peoples Day has roots in a 1977 United Nations conference to combat anti-Native American discrimination. The first state to recognize the holiday was South Dakota in 1990.
Though Indigenous Peoples Day is not a federal holiday under U.S. law, in 2021 President Biden issued the first federal recognition of the holiday, replacing Columbus Day as a day to honor Indigenous history and sovereignty.
Other ways to participate in Choctaw Day include: Dress in your tribal attire Wear authentic Native jewelry Study the history and culture of a tribal figure or nation of your interest Support tribal artists and tribally owned businesses Take part in tribal activities Begin learning an indigenous language
