Olympia Will Designate Indigenous Peoples Day October 12

The city will mark the date with a public celebration honoring local tribal history at Squaxin Park.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Native American

Olympia Will Designate Indigenous Peoples Day October 12

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Should your local government formally recognize Indigenous Peoples Day?

The Olympia City Council has officially designated October 12, 2026, as Indigenous Peoples Day. A public celebration will take place at Squaxin Park to honor the contributions and ancestral stewardship of local tribal nations.

Why it matters

The proclamation seeks to recognize the deep historical relationship between the City of Olympia and the Steh-Chass people of the Squaxin Island Tribe. It also serves as a formal acknowledgment of the contributions made by the Nisqually, Puyallup, Chehalis, Suquamish, and Duwamish nations.

The celebration at Squaxin Park will feature tribal dancing, singing, and storytelling from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Complimentary shuttle service will depart from the Olympia Farmers Market parking area every 30 minutes beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The players

Olympia City Council

This is the governing legislative body responsible for passing local ordinances and official city proclamations in Olympia.

Squaxin Island Tribe

They are a federally recognized tribe whose ancestral lands include the Deschutes watershed and the areas surrounding Budd Inlet.

The details

The city council's proclamation acknowledges the Steh-Chass people as the traditional stewards of the Budd Inlet and Deschutes watershed. Attendees can access the park via a free shuttle service to facilitate community participation in the event.

The designation and celebration occur on October 12, 2026.
Shuttle service from the Olympia Farmers Market begins at 11:00 a.m.
The celebration at Squaxin Park runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Culture Shift

This decision mirrors a broader national move to replace or supplement Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day to honor native history. It reflects a growing shift in how local governments acknowledge the contributions of original inhabitants within their jurisdiction.

Residents planning to attend the event should utilize the free shuttle from the Olympia Farmers Market to avoid parking congestion at Squaxin Park. The event offers the community a dedicated window from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to engage with local tribal storytelling and traditions.

The takeaway

The proclamation highlights the importance of integrating indigenous history into local civic life. Residents can participate by attending the scheduled events at Squaxin Park to better understand the cultural heritage of the region.