Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Arizona: History, Meaning, and Where to Go Tonight
- chrysallenojon
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Today—Monday, October 13, 2025—communities across Arizona join cities nationwide to honor the resilience, culture, and contemporary leadership of Indigenous peoples. For those new to the observance, Indigenous Peoples’ Day shifts the focus from colonial narratives to truths about the first peoples of this land, highlighting living cultures, languages, and sovereignty. Many U.S. cities and states now recognize the day; in Arizona, Phoenix and Tempe each made Indigenous Peoples’ Day an official city holiday beginning in 2023.
Whose land are we on?
Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized Tribal Nations, including the Ak-Chin Indian Community right here in Pinal County and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa and Gila River communities in the Valley. Arizona Department of Education Much of metro Phoenix rests on the homelands of the O’odham (Pima) and Piipaash (Maricopa) peoples and their ancestors. Local institutions—Tempe Center for the Arts and ASU among them—formally acknowledge this connection and encourage the public to learn more.
Why it matters
Indigenous Peoples’ Day invites everyone to:
Tell fuller histories and replace myths with documented truth.
Celebrate living cultures through dance, music, foodways, and language.
Support sovereignty and contemporary issues—from education to the arts—by showing up, listening, and collaborating with Native organizers and culture-keepers.
Where to celebrate tonight (Phoenix metro)
Looking for authentic cultural sharing this evening? These Oct 13 events feature the very performances you mentioned—Apache Crown Dancers, Deer Dance, Grass Dance, Hoop Dance, and songs from Tohono O’odham elders and artists:
Indigenous Peoples’ Day PHX Nite Market (Downtown PHX, 6–10 p.m., Van Buren & 3rd St): A two-night market with performances that include the Cha’Be’Tu Apache Crown Dancers alongside contemporary Native artists and bands. Organizers and venue posts highlight Crown Dancers and a diverse lineup spanning traditional and modern styles.
Heard Museum — “Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2025: Everybody Dance” (11 a.m.–3 p.m. today): A day program that invites families to celebrate movement and music across tribal cultures at one of Arizona’s most important Indigenous art museums. The Heard is also home to the World Championship Hoop Dance tradition that draws dancers from many nations each year.
Tempe Center for the Arts x Cultural Coalition: “Indígena” (afternoon program; free): A family-friendly celebration of Indigenous arts and culture along Tempe Town Lake.
How to show respect while you celebrate
Listen first. Follow host protocols, signage, and emcee guidance.
Ask before photographing sacred or children’s performances.
Support Native-run vendors, artists, and nonprofits—and learn the stories behind the work.
Learn the land. Read local land acknowledgments and explore educational resources offered by Tribal Nations.
Keep learning
Not in Phoenix tonight? Media outlets across Arizona and beyond are sharing programming and explainers all day; some offer livestreams and curated music celebrating Indigenous voices.
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Let’s keep celebrating, supporting, and growing together!