Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a time dedicated to acknowledging Indigenous peoples’ history, past, and present in the United States and celebrating the culture and heritage of native communities.
Los Angeles City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, a member of the Wyandotte Nation, declared in 2017 that the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Los Angeles. At the time it was approved by the council, Los Angeles was one of the largest cities in the United States to take such action. In 2019, Gov. Gavin Newsom followed suit and declared Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a state-recognized holiday.
This year, the observation takes place on October 11, 2023! We’ve listed incredible ways below that you can honor and celebrate Indigenous People’s Day all month long and beyond in L.A. (Be sure to check back as the list will be updated with more events as October grows closer.)
1. Visit The Antelope Valley Indian Museum
Found in the northeastern area of Los Angeles County, the Antelope Valley Indian Museum houses objects created by the Native American cultures of the western Great Basin, California, and the Southwest. Admission is $3 for adults (cash or credit cards only). Kids age 12 and under are free. More details here!
Location: 15701 East Avenue M Lancaster, California, 935352.
2. Learn more about the Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe
The best way to celebrate and honor the past, present, and future of indigenous and native people is to educate ourselves on their history, and the history of their land we live on. As stated on the TongvaPeople.com site, Gabrielino-Tongva villages were located in the Los Angeles Basin for thousands of years. These villages were located near and around the ever-changing Los Angeles River, San Gabriel River, Santa Ana River, and the coastal areas. To learn more, please visit TongvaPeople.org and GabrielinoTribe.org
3. Attend the LA SKINS FEST, a Native American Filmmaker Showcase
LA SKINS FEST is back with a week-long theatrical showcase of Native American films. As stated on their site, this film festival provides opportunities for Native American filmmakers to share their stories on the big screen. This year’s festival will offer a series of events throughout Hollywood highlighting these incredible filmmakers. You can find more information here!
When: November 14 through November 19, 2023
Location: TCL Chinese Theatre #6, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 90028
4. Take in the thought-provoking art by Mercedes Dorame: Woshaa’axre Yaang’aro at The Getty
Found at the Museum’s Entrance Hall at the Getty Center, Los Angeles-based artist Mercedes Dorame has installed five large sculptures in the shape of abalone shells with gorgeous painted views of the horizon and coastline. This beautiful installation is on view through August 11, 2024. Named Woshaa’axre Yaang’aro (Looking Back), asks viewers to position themselves in relation to the land they inhabit and adjust their perspective that prioritizes the original caretakers of Tovaangar (the Los Angeles Basin and Southern Channel Islands). To learn more about this installation, you can visit The Getty here!
Location: The Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049