On August 30, 2017 the Los Angeles City Council made history by voting to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day as an official City holiday in the City of Los Angeles. This year, City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell and the Los Angeles City-County Native American Indian Commission announced the first official celebration to commemorate Indigenous Peoples Day in both the City and the County of Los Angeles.
"Many Native Americans have celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day on the second Monday of October since at least 1970. Indigenous people have always chosen to mark the occassion as a day of remembrance for our ancestors, while dispelling the myth that Columbus “discovered” America. This year, we celebrate our survival, resilience, and deep contributions to all peoples that now live on this land. We look forward to celebrating with you on this special day in October!" Councilmember O'Farrell said.
A major day-long event is planned for Monday, October 8, from 7am to 7pm, at Civic Center in downtown Los Angeles, 200 N Spring Street, Los Angeles, 90012.
Both Grand Park and City Hall public spaces will be utilized for activities planned throughout the day, including: a sunrise ceremony, 5K run, parade of nations, Native American powwow, panel sessions on trending topics related to Native Americans and the community, a fashion show, and a grand finale that will include a performance by critically acclaimed Native American rock group Redbone.
Please RSVP on eventbrite or join the conversation on Facebook for more information.