5 Ways Your Business Can Celebrate Indigenous People’s Day with Purpose and Impact
As businesses across the United States are shifting away from the outdated celebration of Columbus Day, many small business owners are unsure of how to meaningfully acknowledge Indigenous People’s Day. You may be asking, "How can my small business respectfully celebrate this important day while connecting with my customers?"
The challenge is clear—ignoring this shift risks alienating your customer base and missing an opportunity to reflect evolving social values. In today’s environment, customers expect brands to take a stand on issues that matter, and failing to do so can make your business seem out of touch or indifferent to the communities it serves. But simply replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous People’s Day without thought or action can feel empty and disingenuous.
Here’s the good news—small businesses are perfectly positioned to celebrate Indigenous People’s Day in a way that’s both impactful and authentic. By using this opportunity to educate, collaborate, and give back, your business can foster stronger relationships with your community while showing genuine respect for Indigenous cultures.
1. Build Community Through Education
One of the most powerful things your business can do is to use your platform to educate. Share the stories, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples with your audience. Whether it's through blog posts, social media content, or in-store displays, your small business can play a part in increasing awareness and understanding. Highlight local Indigenous leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs to bring your audience into the conversation.
2. Collaborate and Support Indigenous-Owned Businesses
Another great way to celebrate Indigenous People’s Day is to partner with Indigenous-owned businesses. Collaborations, joint promotions, or cross-promotion on social media can help you support Indigenous entrepreneurs while diversifying the products and services your customers have access to. Consider offering shelf space or sharing digital space to elevate Indigenous brands.
3. Acknowledge the Land
Many businesses have begun to recognize the land on which they operate as originally belonging to Indigenous peoples. You can follow suit by posting a land acknowledgment on your website, in your store, or through email newsletters. Taking it a step further, pair the acknowledgment with actionable commitments—whether that’s donations to Indigenous organizations or a percentage of sales going to a local Indigenous charity.
4. Give Back
Small businesses can take this opportunity to support Indigenous communities directly. Whether it’s through donations, sponsoring events, or offering a portion of sales to Indigenous causes, your contribution can make a meaningful difference. Highlight these initiatives so your customers understand how they’re participating in a cause that matters.
5. Make It an Ongoing Commitment
While Indigenous People’s Day is important, your efforts don’t have to be limited to one day. Look for ways to integrate ongoing support and acknowledgment of Indigenous communities into your business practices. Whether it’s continuously stocking Indigenous-made products or ensuring you’re working with Indigenous suppliers, creating a lasting impact is always the goal.
At About Stewart, we specialize in helping small businesses craft strategies that resonate with their audience and align with their values. If you’d like help incorporating social responsibility into your business plan or need guidance on community engagement, we invite you to book a free 15-minute introductory call with us or explore our paid consultations. Let’s work together to create a business that thrives while making a positive impact. You can schedule your consultation here.
By taking meaningful steps this Indigenous People’s Day, your small business can become part of a larger movement toward inclusivity and respect for Indigenous cultures.
