The recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day took root from an idea planted in 1977. At an International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas, Indigenous peoples first proposed replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day—a holiday to honor and celebrate Indigenous peoples, histories, and cultures.
Twelve years later, South Dakota was the first U.S. state to switch, celebrating Native American Day instead of Columbus Day, with the first celebration taking place the following year. In 1992, activists in Berkeley, California, encouraged the Berkeley City Council to declare a "Day of Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples" on October 12, in place of the previously celebrated Columbus Day.
Although Indigenous Peoples Day is not yet a federally recognized holiday, many U.S. states and cities recognize it each year, on the second Monday of October, in place of Columbus Day. Indigenous Peoples Day encourages Americans to rethink the country's history, and it recognizes Native peoples as the first inhabitants of the Americas.
"Native American people speak of the seven generations, where decisions and actions taken today must be considered for how they will impact the ones seven generations from now. To me, that's what these Indigenous authors represent," said Fawn Sanchez, a Shoshone-Bannock and Carizo-Comecrudo, president of Amazon’s Indigenous affinity group, and a senior human resources leader at Amazon Web Services. "Their experiences and beliefs come alive in a way that informs and educates others on our beautiful culture."
In honor of Indigenous Peoples Day, Amazon Books editors worked with the Indigenous@ affinity group—an Amazon employee community of people who identify as Indigenous and their allies—to identify books about the experiences and heritage of Native peoples. Whether you’re interested in historical fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, or young adult books—or something else entirely—the team has a recommendation for you.
“Books serve as an incredible tool to learn more about diverse cultures and experiences," said Sarah Gelman, editorial director at Amazon Books. "As we recognize and celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, the curated list of books will help readers learn more about Native American peoples, their histories, and cultures.”
Page overview
Never Name the Dead
1
Never Name the Dead
2
Sinister Graves (A Cash Blackbear Mystery Book 3)
3
Shutter
4
Night of the Living Rez
5
Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk
6
An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States
7
Apple (Skin to the Core)
8
Bad Indians
9
Black Elk Speaks: The Complete Edition
10
Black Sun
11
Blackening Song: An Ella Clah Novel
12
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
13
Ceremony
14
Children of the Longhouse
15
Crooked Hallelujah
16
Empire of the Summer Moon
17
Heart Berries: A Memoir
18
Hearts Unbroken
19
House Made of Dawn
20
How I Became a Ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story
21
If I Ever Get Out of Here
22
In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse
23
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI
24
Killing Crazy Horse: The Merciless Indian Wars in America (Bill O'Reilly's Killing Series)
25
National Geographic Kids Encyclopedia of American Indian History and Culture: Stories, Timelines, Maps, and More
26
Race to the Sun
27
The Blessing Way
28
The Blue Tattoo: The Life of Olive Oatman
29
The Cold Dish: A Longmire Mystery
30
The Earth Is Weeping: The Epic Story of the Indian Wars for the American West
31
The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee: Native America from 1890 to the Present
32
The Other Slavery: The Uncovered Story of Indian Enslavement in America
33
The Pale-Faced Lie: A True Story
34
The Very First Americans
35
They Dance in the Sky: Native American Star Myths
36
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
37
We Are Water Protectors
38
Wilma's Way Home: The Life of Wilma Mankiller
39
Winter Counts: A Novel
12
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
By: Robin Wall Kimmerer
24
Killing Crazy Horse: The Merciless Indian Wars in America (Bill O'Reilly's Killing Series)
By Bill O'Reilly
25
National Geographic Kids Encyclopedia of American Indian History and Culture: Stories, Timelines, Maps, and More
By: Cynthia O'Brien
30
The Earth Is Weeping: The Epic Story of the Indian Wars for the American West
By: Peter Cozzens
32
The Other Slavery: The Uncovered Story of Indian Enslavement in America
By: Andrés Reséndez
35
They Dance in the Sky: Native American Star Myths
By: Jean Guard Monroe and Roy. A. Williamson
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