Monday, Oct. 9 is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day all about honoring the cultures and histories of Portland’s Native communities.
Learn the history of the holiday in Portland, plus how to participate at the Indigenous Peoples Day Marketplace.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Formerly Columbus Day, the Oregon Legislature voted to recognize the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2021. The Metro Council estimates that the Portland area’s urban Native population is the ninth largest in the US, totaling 58,135 people (or 2.8%) in 2017.
The holiday is still federally recognized as Columbus Day, so expect closures at federal offices, post offices, and banks.
Portland Indigenous Marketplace
Portland Indigenous Marketplace partners with local vendorto create an inclusive space for businesses of color and Indigenous origin. Its annual Indigenous Peoples Day Marketplace — and evening celebration in Barbies Village — brings these businesses together for a day to remember.
- Indigenous Peoples Day Marketplace | Monday, Oct. 9 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | PSU Native American Student and Community Center, 710 SW Jackson St. | Free | Shop 30+ vendors while enjoying art, music, kids activities, and a raffle.
- Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration | Monday, Oct. 9 | Barbies Village, 935 NE 33rd Ave. | Free | Grab dinner, shop more local vendors, and hear from Native comedian Jana Schmieding.
Follow Portland Indigenous Marketplace at their website and on socials to see what they’ve got going on throughout the year.
