Monday, October 13th, is Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Vermont, a day to learn, understand, pause, and reflect.
School will be open. This is not a vacation day; it’s an opportunity for learning and connection. Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates the rich culture, history, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples in the United States and right here in Franklin County.
In Vermont, this day became a permanent state holiday in 2019, replacing Columbus Day. Our local decision to keep schools open was made in partnership with representatives of the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi, whose ancestral lands include Franklin County, so that students could learn more about the Abenaki people and their enduring presence in our community.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day invites us to look honestly at history, acknowledge the harm caused by colonization, and embrace the opportunity to learn from and honor Indigenous perspectives and traditions.