Celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day: October 12th, 2026

CELEBRATING THE COPPER VALLEY 

Potlatch at Gulkana Village. (Journal archives) 

...Where The Word "Indigenous" Has Real Meaning 

Ahtna People As Photographed in 1898. 

This year, October 12th, 2026 is "Indigenous Peoples' Day." 

It's called that because it's a celebration of the people who were in the Americas prior to the arrival of Columbus. Indigenous Peoples' Day is celebrated on the same day as "Columbus Day." 

The word "indigenous" is defined as describing those who originally lived in a place long before outside settlers arrived. 

In the Copper Valley, the indigenous people are the Ahtna. 

Ahtna People Shown On A 4th Of July Parade Float (Country Journal Archives, 1986-1999)