Beyond Indigenous Peoples Day: The Fight to Protect Indigenous Communities

The second Monday in October is federally recognized as Christopher Columbus Day, commemorating the arrival of colonizer Christopher Columbus to the Americas. It’s undeniable that Indigenous communities lived in America long before Columbus docked his ship. Why, then, is he celebrated as the man who “discovered” America? 

For years, public debate has challenged this Eurocentric narrative. In response, several states have recognised the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day. The day celebrates the resilience and the vibrant cultures of Indigenous communities in America. 

Despite the lack of federal recognition, Indigenous Peoples Day continues to be celebrated while bringing attention to issues that Indigenous communities face. The day has been used to advocate for the removal of Columbus memorials, the returning of Indigenous lands, and awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW).

The Trump administration has rejected this broader recognition. In 2025, Trump declared he was “bringing Columbus Day back from the ashes,” reinforcing the federal emphasis on celebrating Columbus rather than recognizing Indigenous peoples.   

Meanwhile, proposed federal funding cuts of $2.3 billion from the administration continue to impact Tribal programs especially violence related programs and services that support survivors. These reductions could undermine essential services, including programs that address violence and support survivors.

The consequences are especially serious given the rates of violence facing Indigenous communities. On September 15, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal  Government Surveillance held a hearing titled “Missing and Murdered Indigenous People: Strengthening Public Safety in Tribal Communities.” Lawmakers and witnesses discussed how the federal government can help ensure the safety of Indigenous communities as they face some of the highest homicide and missing persons rates in the country.

According to the CDC, homicide was the fourth leading cause of death for American Indian and Alaska Natives men and sixth-leading cause for women ages one to 44 in 2023. Tribal communities rely on violence prevention programs and other services to address these disparities. Funding cuts threaten their ability to sustain this work.

During the September hearing, witnesses urged members to increase the funding for tribal communities to sustain these instrumental programs. Trent Shores, former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma, stressed that “Resources need to reach the people and stay there.” Myron Lizer, Former Vice President of Navajo Nation, similarly warned that “we have built programs but not continuous systems,” highlighting the gap between establishing initiatives and providing the sustained resources communities need. 

Legislation like Savanna’s Act and the Not Invisible Act have started to address missing and murdered Native Americans by strengthening relations between federal and tribal law enforcement. However, significant gaps remain in preventing violence, investigating cases and supporting survivors. 

As Indigenous communities continue to face high levels of homicide and missing person rates, Congress must continue to act and pass the Trace Act for a concise database. Honoring Indigenous resilience goes beyond annual recognition but a continued effort to guarantee sustained resources and legislative action that protect these communities from ongoing violence and funding cuts.