From: Indigenous Peoples’ Day Philly Inc. (IPD Philly) and the undersigned community members

We, the undersigned Indigenous community members, Philadelphia residents, and allies, call on Philadelphia City Council to pass an ordinance to permanently reinstate Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an official city holiday, observed on the second Monday of every October.

For nearly a decade, our annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Philadelphia has been a space for education, cultural celebration, and community healing. Since 2017, thousands of residents—families, educators, students, artists, and organizers—have come together to honor the First Peoples of this land, the Lenape and Indigenous communities across the Americas.

In 2021, the City through Executive Order 2-21 took an important step forward in recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day. However, a 2025 court ruling No. 516 C.D. 2023 made clear that only the City Council has the authority to designate official city holidays. This moment calls for decisive legislative action.

Why This Matters

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is more than a symbolic recognition—it is a commitment to truth, justice, and inclusion.

• It honors the history, resilience, and living cultures of Indigenous Peoples.

• It corrects harmful narratives that have long erased Indigenous experiences.

• It rejects the celebration of Christopher Columbus, whose actions included violence, enslavement, and the foundation of systems that harmed Indigenous communities across the Americas.

• It aligns Philadelphia with a growing national movement—over 200 cities, 17 states, and Washington, D.C. have already made this change.

The continued recognition of Columbus Day promotes inaccurate histories and ignores the documented realities of colonization and genocide. This stands in contradiction to the principles outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which affirms the dignity, rights, and representation of Indigenous communities.

Our Community Impact

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Philly Inc. has:

• Served over 5,000 community members through cultural and educational programming

• Organized annual citywide celebrations attended by hundreds in person and thousands online

• Built a network of educators, schools, families, and organizations committed to observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day

• Led year-round efforts to amplify Indigenous voices, artists, and knowledge keepers

Our annual celebration at Shackamaxon (Penn Treaty) Park is not just an event—it is a living expression of Indigenous presence, resilience, and community in Philadelphia.

Our Commitment

This work is not temporary—it is generational.

We remain committed to:

• Advancing policies that recognize and uplift Indigenous Peoples

• Ensuring meaningful engagement between city leadership and Indigenous communities

• Expanding Indigenous education and visibility across Philadelphia

Take Action

By signing this petition, you are standing for truth, justice, and the recognition of Indigenous Peoples—past, present, and future.

Join us. Add your name. Make your voice count.

📣 Together, we can ensure Indigenous Peoples’ Day is permanently recognized in Philadelphia.