Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a time to recognize the history, contributions, and culture of the Indigenous communities that have lived in the Americas for thousands of years. It is typically celebrated on the second Monday of October each year. While it is recognized federally, it remains a state holiday in 20 states currently. “The Indigenous Peoples’ Day Act, reintroduced in Congress on October 2, 2023, would designate the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day nationwide.” Many people hope that Indigenous Peoples’ Day will replace or be celebrated alongside Columbus Day. While Columbus Day has been celebrated as a federal holiday since 1934, many feel it represents the violent history of colonization and repression of the indigenous people who have resided here long before the European expeditions to discover the Americas.

“Since time immemorial, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians have built vibrant and diverse cultures — safeguarding land, language, spirit, knowledge, and tradition across the generations. On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, our Nation celebrates the invaluable contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples, recognizes their inherent sovereignty, and commits to honoring the Federal Government’s trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations.”

“Today, we acknowledge the significant sacrifices made by Native peoples to this country — and recognize their many ongoing contributions to our Nation.”

– A Proclamation on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, 2021

Here at True Leaf Market, we strive to appreciate and learn from the generational knowledge of the indigenous communities. For thousands of years, the Native American people have utilized the natural habits and needs of various plants to promote stronger and healthier growth, such as the three sisters' crops.

The three sisters is a growing practice used to produce corn, beans, and squash as life-sustaining vegetables that provide beneficial habits and nutrients throughout the growing process. The corn acts as a support to climbing beans. The squash act as a weed suppressant by covering and shading the ground which suppresses and outcompetes intruding weeds. The beans benefit both the corn and squash as a nitrogen fixing legume. This means they transform nitrogen found in the air to a usable form within the soil. The three sisters’ crops are typically grown in mounds or clusters.

Our Partnership with Utah Dine Bikeyah

One of the best ways to celebrate Indigenous People’s Day is by learning more about the indigenous cultures of those near you. Since True Leaf Markets partnership with Utah Dine Bikeyah I have grown in appreciation for the traditional customs and reverence Native Americans have for the land and our reliance on it. You can learn more about Utah Dine Bikeyah’s formation and their mission to protect and educate about the traditional culture created among Native American tribes, including the Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, Ute, and Pueblo people at utahdinebikeyah.org. You can also learn more about our partnership and Giving Tuesday initiatives at the links below.