Indigenous People’s Day celebration planned for October 14

Olympia will join the Squaxin Island Tribe to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, October 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Squaxin Park.

Indigenous Peoples' Day commemorates the history and culture of Native American people, where attendees will enjoy family-friendly cultural performances, speakers, food, and educational activities. 

Next Tuesday, October 8, Squaxin Island Tribe representatives will join the Olympia City Council to consider a proclamation to recognize the October 14 holiday. 

Olympia is one of more than 100 cities across the United States to adopt the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. It was created in response to Columbus Day, long observed on the same date. Some groups oppose Columbus Day as it represents the start of European colonization of what is now North America. 

Parking at the venue is limited, and attendees are encouraged to carpool, cycle, or take the fare-free Intercity Transit bus.

Olympia will also offer a complimentary shuttle service from the east side of the Olympia Farmer’s Market District parking lot every 30 minutes starting at 11 a.m.

For more information about this event, contact Olivia Salazar de Breaux at osalazar@ci.olympia.wa.us. You can also opt to receive updates on cultural celebrations by signing up for City Diversity, Equity & Inclusion news at olympiawa.gov/news.