National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day

Categories:: Religious
Tags:: Appreciation Civic
Where:: Philippines
Date change rule:: Every October 29
Holiday emoji:: 🇵🇭

National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day is observed every October 29 in the Philippines. This day is dedicated to honoring and promoting the diverse indigenous peoples who inhabit the archipelago’s highlands, recognizing their invaluable contributions and steadfast resistance against colonization. Join us in advocating for equal rights and celebrating the rich traditions of these valiant communities.

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Expected National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day Deals

For National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to meaningful support and awareness. Organizations like the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Tebtebba Foundation often host events and fundraising drives to support indigenous communities. Look for local artisan markets and cultural fairs that directly benefit indigenous craftspeople and artists. Companies committed to ethical sourcing, such as Human Nature Philippines, may highlight products made with indigenous materials or from fair trade partnerships. Consider donating directly to indigenous advocacy groups or participating in educational webinars. We will update this page with confirmed live events and campaigns as October 29 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #IndigenousPeoplesPH. Share stories, cultural insights, and calls to action supporting indigenous rights in the Philippines.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #IndigenousPeoplesPH. Engage in discussions about indigenous rights, share news, and amplify the voices of advocates and organizations.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #IndigenousPeoplesPH. Post photos or videos showcasing the beauty of indigenous cultures, traditional crafts, or community events.

National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day Hero

Victoria Tauli-Corpuz

Victoria Tauli-Corpuz is an indigenous rights activist and former United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2014-2020). A Kankana-ey Igorot from the Cordillera Region of the Philippines, she has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of indigenous peoples globally, particularly concerning their land, resources, and cultural heritage. Her work has significantly influenced international policy and awareness.

History of National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day

The popular Republic Act enacted by President Fidel V. Ramos in 1997 sparked the first commemoration of National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day. This act recognized and supported the rights of all indigenous peoples in the Philippines, as well as allowing them to control their affairs. Four years later, the Philippines’ new president decided to create a whole day dedicated to acknowledging indigenous peoples and providing them with government support — an act based on the Republic Act. The president proclaimed October 29, 2003, as the National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day and the same day every year thereafter. To further bolster her commitment to ensuring fair treatment for indigenous peoples, the president confirmed another proclamation that designated October as National Indigenous People’s Month. All this goes to show the president’s support for the highlanders.

The indigenous peoples of the Philippines who include the Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and many others have seen marginalization, dispossession, and many other forms of unfair treatment by the Philippines’ government even after the country gained independence in 1946. In simple terms, they have been oppressed by the lowlanders (Filipinos) who see them as uncivilized and not worthy of enjoying the privileges that come with the developing world. Their oppression began from the time many of them dared to oppose the Spanish rule of the 19th century. When the Americans took over control of the country through the early 20th century, these segregational treatments still thrived. However, as has been noted, later in the 20th and early in the 21st centuries, governments have strived to ensure a reasonable level of fair treatment for all the indigenous peoples.

Gradually, we believe as the day’s observation proceeds through the years, the indigenous peoples will enjoy more equal treatment.

National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day timeline

1987

Rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities

The rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities within the concept of national unity and development are recognized.

1997

The Republic Act

The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (I.P.R.A.) is signed into law by President Ramos.

2003

National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day Proclamation

President Gloria signs Proclamation No. 486, declaring October 29 as National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day.

2009

National Indigenous People’s Month Proclamation

Proclamation No. 1906, declaring October as National Indigenous People’s Month is signed by President Gloria.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day

Local businesses in the Philippines can honor National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day by actively engaging with and supporting indigenous communities. Restaurants might feature traditional indigenous dishes or ingredients, crediting the source. Retailers can highlight ethically sourced products made by indigenous artisans, ensuring fair compensation. Businesses can also host educational workshops or cultural performances, inviting indigenous elders or artists to share their knowledge and traditions. Consider a portion of sales dedicated to indigenous welfare organizations or initiating long-term partnerships that empower these communities economically and culturally.

National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day FAQs

When is National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day?

National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day 2026 falls on Thursday, October 29. It is a dedicated time to reflect on the rich heritage and ongoing struggles of indigenous communities in the Philippines.

How many indigenous people live in the Philippines?

The Philippines is home to a diverse population of indigenous peoples, estimated to be between 14 to 17 million, belonging to over 110 ethno-linguistic groups. They represent a significant portion of the country’s cultural tapestry.

What is the significance of Indigenous People's Thanksgiving Day?

This day is significant as it formally recognizes and celebrates the indigenous peoples of the Philippines, acknowledging their historical resistance, unique cultures, and their rights to self-determination and ancestral domains. It calls for greater understanding and support.

What is the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997?

The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997 is a landmark Philippine law that recognizes and protects the rights of indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples (ICCs/IPs) to their ancestral domains and self-determination. It aims to correct historical injustices.

How to Observe National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day

Visit some indigenous peoples
Observe this day by traveling to the highland and meeting the lovely indigenous peoples there. Don't forget to take photographs.
Read the history of the Philippines' indigenous people
If you don't know much about them, today is a good day to try doing that. Look up some archival documents and get yourself informed about those resilient people.
Campaign for more autonomy to indigenous people
Another way to observe this day is to advocate for more recognition and freedom for indigenous peoples in the Philippines. Indigenous peoples help protect our environment, fight climate change, and build resilience to natural disasters, yet their rights aren’t always protected.

5 Facts About Indigenous Peoples You Should Know

They are found everywhere
Indigenous peoples are found in about 90 countries and have a total population of around 476 million.
They rarely control their lands
Indigenous peoples mostly do not govern their lands and are governed by their country's central government.
They are prone to poverty
Indigenous peoples have more tendency to be poor as compared to other groups of people.
They are environmental conservators
Indigenous peoples mostly strive to conserve and protect their natural environments.
They have a low lifespan
The life expectancy of indigenous peoples is 20 years lower than that of non-indigenous peoples.

Why National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day is Important

It shows originality
Indigenous people are perfect examples of a human group that has maintained their roots and defied contamination by other foreign cultures. Indigenous peoples own, occupy, or use a quarter of the world's surface area, and they protect 80% of the remaining biodiversity.
It is cultural
One of the purposes of the day's observation is to allow all indigenous peoples in the Philippines to showcase and practice their cultural heritage without any government hindrance. Celebrating our differences, as well as our common interests, helps unite and educate us.
It promotes equity
National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day promotes equitable treatment for all inhabitants of the Philippines, such that each group is given what they require the most. This fosters respect and open-mindedness for other cultures.