Indigenous Peoples’ Day – October 12, 2026
People of the Dawn
“We acknowledge the traditional, ancestral, and unceded land of the Abenaki people on which we are worshiping, praying, and celebrating today. We honor the Abenaki people who have been living and working on this land from time immemorial. We recognize that colonialism and the oppression of Native peoples is a current and ongoing process, and we commit to building our awareness of our present participation. And so, we give thanks for those who have come before us, honoring the legacy of Vermont’s Indigenous people, the Abenaki People of the Dawn. We are grateful for the care and sharing of this land.” – Excerpt from the liturgy of the 187th Diocesan Convention of The Episcopal Church in Vermont (October 26, 2019)
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is celebrated this year on Monday, October 12. It is a day set aside to honor America’s first inhabitants and the Tribal Nations that continue to thrive today. It is an official holiday in Vermont, established by the Legislature in 2019, replacing the former Columbus Day. Gov. Scott issued a proclamation in 2025. Read the proclamation.
For a respectful celebration, consider attending an event led by Vermont’s Abenaki communities, learning about the four federally recognized Abenaki tribes in Vermont, or supporting Indigenous artists and organizations.
For more information about Indigenous peoples in Vermont and about Indigenous Peoples’ Day, read the diocesan website.
Goodbye, Columbus? Here’s what Indigenous Peoples’ Day means to Native Americans — Emma Bowman
