As our nation observes Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we are reminded that history is not fixed — it evolves as we confront uncomfortable truths and elevate the voices that have long been excluded from our collective story.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day invites us to honor the first stewards of this land, whose wisdom, culture, and resilience predate the founding of our nation. It replaces myths of “discovery” with acknowledgment of survival, sovereignty, and enduring contributions.
Here in the Washington, D.C. region, where the land once belonged to the Piscataway and Anacostan peoples, we carry a special responsibility to recognize the legacy and living presence of Native communities who continue to enrich our city’s civic and cultural life.
This year, Indigenous Peoples’ Day coincides with Banned Books Week, a reminder that the suppression of truth continues in new forms. Across the country, books by Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized authors are being targeted for removal from schools and libraries. These efforts silence stories that challenge stereotypes, inspire empathy, and reflect the full diversity of the American experience.
Both observances share a common purpose: to reclaim truth, preserve identity, and defend the right to be seen and heard. Just as Indigenous peoples fight to protect their languages and traditions, communities of color and queer communities fight to keep their stories on the shelves and in the curriculum.
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day — and defending the freedom to read — are acts of resistance and hope. Together, they affirm that history belongs to everyone, and that by lifting every voice, we build a more honest, inclusive, and united America.