Respectful, Ready-to-Send: Indigenous Peoples’ Day Messages for Employ

Indigenous Peoples’ Day—observed across much of the U.S. on the second Monday in October—is an opportunity for organizations to recognize the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples. Inside a workplace, that recognition looks like learning, listening, and communicating with care. If you’re a leader, HR/DEI partner, manager, or teammate, the right Indigenous Peoples’ Day message for employees can set a respectful tone, encourage reflection, and point to action.

This guide gives you context, best practices, and dozens of copy-ready lines you can share in email, Slack/Teams, town halls, and group cards. The language is professional, inclusive, and easy to personalize—so you can acknowledge the day with sincerity and substance.

---

Ground Rules for Respectful, Inclusive Office Messages

Principles to guide your note

• Center respect and learning. Keep the focus on Indigenous people and communities, not on your company.
• Acknowledge past and present. Recognition includes history, resilience, and living cultures today.
• Invite, don’t require. Offer resources and events; participation should be voluntary.
• Be precise, not performative. Avoid generic “celebrate!” language—this day is reflective as well as appreciative.
• Signal continuity. Encourage year-round learning and support, not a once-a-year post.
• Keep it brand-safe. Use neutral, professional wording suitable for a diverse audience.

Language do’s and don’ts (quick checklist)

Do: be specific, cite resources, use person-first language, capitalize “Indigenous,” “Native,” and specific Nation names.
Don’t: use stereotypes, minimize history, imply all Nations share identical cultures, or make commitments you can’t keep.

How to Use the Messages Below

Each section includes short, ready-to-send Indigenous Day greetings for workplace audiences, plus longer notes you can adapt for email or all-hands. Feel free to pair any message with a group card so colleagues can co-sign and add supportive notes. (If you’re sending appreciation, a Thank You card or a professional note from our Office cards can be a great companion.)

---

Company-Wide Announcements (Executive/HR/DEI)

Short versions (Slack/Teams/all-hands slide)

• Today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We honor the histories, cultures, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples across the U.S.
• On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we invite reflection, learning, and respect for the many Nations whose stewardship of this land continues.
• We recognize Indigenous colleagues, partners, and communities—and we commit to listening and learning together.

Longer versions (email or town-hall opener)

• Option A (Reflective):
  “Today, on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we recognize the sovereignty, resilience, and living cultures of Indigenous peoples across the U.S. We encourage everyone to take time to learn, reflect, and honor the communities whose contributions shape our shared present. Below you’ll find resources and optional events to continue this learning. Thank you for showing care and respect in how we work together.”
• Option B (Commitment-oriented):
  “As we observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we focus on respect, accuracy, and action. We’re sharing learning resources and community organizations you can support. We’ll also continue reviewing how our teams build inclusive products, partnerships, and programs year-round. Thank you for being part of this ongoing work.”

---

Manager-to-Team Notes

Quick lines you can post today

• “Team—today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Please take time to learn and reflect. I’ve added a few resources in the thread for anyone interested.”
• “If you need flexibility to attend a learning session or community event today, let me know. Inclusion matters in how we plan our week.”
• “Thank you for supporting a respectful, curious culture—today and every day.”

Longer team message (editable)

“Hi team—on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, I want to recognize the histories and cultures of Indigenous peoples and the colleagues, partners, and neighbors who identify as Indigenous. I’m sharing a short reading list and an internal discussion time (optional). If you’re observing today, please take the space you need. I’m grateful for the thoughtfulness you bring to each other and to our work.”

---

Peer-to-Peer Messages (Professional, Warm)

• “Marking Indigenous Peoples’ Day with gratitude for the Indigenous communities whose leadership and knowledge continue to shape our world.”
• “If you’re observing today, I’m thinking of you and honoring the day with you.”
• “Appreciate learning together—thanks for sharing resources and perspectives.”
• “Holding space for reflection today; grateful for teammates who model respect, curiosity, and care.”

---

Acknowledgement Messages for Teams (Group Card Intros)

• “As a team, we honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day by learning together and recognizing the cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples.”
• “We add our voices in respect and gratitude today—thank you to colleagues who’ve guided our learning and to communities who continue to lead.”
• “Our team acknowledges this day with humility and commitment to do better, listen more, and support meaningfully.”
• “We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn and to show care in how we collaborate, build, and show up.”

Tip: Invite signatures and optional reflections; keep prompts open-ended (e.g., “a takeaway or resource you found helpful”).

---

Professional Indigenous Day Notes (Email Templates)

Template 1 — Company newsletter sidebar

Subject: Observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Body:
“Today, we observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day—a time to honor the histories, cultures, and contemporary contributions of Indigenous peoples across the U.S. Participation in learning events is optional; resources are linked below for anyone who’d like to explore. Thank you for engaging with care and respect.”

Template 2 — Project channel post

“Before we kick off, a quick note: today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We’re sharing learning resources in #community-learning and welcome anyone to add trusted materials. Thanks for helping us foster a thoughtful, inclusive space.”

---

Inclusive “Land Acknowledgment” Guidance (Use Thoughtfully)

When (and when not) to use

• Appropriate at the start of a reflection or learning event led with care; not a checkbox for unrelated meetings.
• Keep it concise, accurate, and local if you have verified information. Avoid guessing or relying on unverified maps.
• Pair words with action (donations, partnerships, paid speakers, procurement choices).

Template (edit only with verified details)

“Before we begin, we acknowledge the [specific Nation(s)] and their enduring relationship with this land. We honor Indigenous peoples past and present and commit to learning and meaningful action.”
If you don’t have verified local info, use a general acknowledgment:
“We acknowledge Indigenous peoples’ sovereignty, stewardship, and presence across this land and commit to learning from and with Indigenous communities.”

---

“Cultural Appreciation” Lines (Brand-Safe, Quote-Style Sentiments)

(These are original appreciation lines, written to read like brief quotes you can place in graphics or email callouts.)

• “Respect begins with listening.”
• “Learning is a form of care—and we show care today.”
• “Honoring history means supporting the future.”
• “Culture lives in people, practices, and everyday choices.”
• “We reflect today so we can act better tomorrow.”

---

Workplace Recognition Lines (Short, Copy-Ready)

• “Recognizing Indigenous colleagues, partners, and communities with respect and gratitude.”
• “We value Indigenous voices—today and every day.”
• “Thank you to those who share knowledge and help us learn.”
• “We honor resilience, leadership, and living cultures.”
• “Appreciation to teams making space for learning today.”

---

Diversity and Respect Messages (All-Company, Brand-Neutral)

• “Inclusion shows up in words, in time, and in choices. Today, we choose to listen and learn.”
• “We recognize many ways people may observe today. Thank you for treating each other’s experiences with care.”
• “Our commitment to equity includes learning from Indigenous communities and supporting solutions led by them.”
• “Let’s ask thoughtful questions, cite sources responsibly, and uplift Indigenous perspectives.”

---

Micro-Copy for Slack/Teams/SharePoint Tiles

• “Observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day—resources inside.”
• “Honor. Learn. Respect.”
• “Optional learning events today—join if you can.”
• “We acknowledge and appreciate Indigenous peoples across the U.S.”
• “Taking time to reflect; offices remain open/closed per local policy.”

---

Subject Lines You Can Use

• “Recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day”
• “Today: Indigenous Peoples’ Day—Resources + Optional Events”
• “Honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day Together”
• “Reflection & Respect: Indigenous Peoples’ Day”
• “Acknowledging Indigenous Peoples’ Day Across Our Teams”

---

Longer Message Options (Copy-Paste Paragraphs)

Reflect + Resource Share

“On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor the history, cultures, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples. We invite you to explore the resources collected by our DEI group (optional). Thank you for approaching this day—and each other—with respect and curiosity.”

Reflect + Flexibility

“Today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. If you’re observing or participating in community events, please coordinate with your manager for flexibility where needed. Inclusion isn’t only what we say—it’s how we plan our time and support one another.”

Reflect + Year-Round Commitment

“As we acknowledge Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we also commit to learning year-round. In the coming months we’ll share additional opportunities to hear from Indigenous voices, review our practices, and identify ways our work can better support equitable outcomes.”

---

Add Meaning: Ways to Pair Words with Action (Optional)

At the company level

• Invite Indigenous speakers or educators (paid).
• Review vendor and grant programs to include Indigenous-led organizations.
• Offer volunteer time off for community engagement.
• Support internal learning circles with compensated facilitators.

At the team level

• Share a short reading or podcast and host an optional discussion.
• Highlight Indigenous-authored work relevant to your domain.
• Create a group card where teammates can add notes of respect or learning takeaways.
• Encourage meeting-light hours to allow for reflection.

---

Professional Indigenous Day Notes Tailored by Role

Executives

• “As we observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we commit to listening, learning, and aligning our actions with respect for Indigenous communities. Thank you for joining us in this work.”

HR/DEI

• “We’re sharing resources, optional events, and guidance for teams. Thank you for engaging with care and for helping us build a workplace where everyone belongs.”

People Managers

• “Team, please take space to learn or participate as you choose. If you need flexibility today, reach out—I’ll support scheduling.”

Employee Resource Group (ERG) Leads

• “Our ERG invites you to an open conversation centered on respectful learning and practical actions. All are welcome; listening is our priority.”

Close with Care (Ready-to-Use Conclusions)

• “Thank you for approaching today with respect and curiosity—and for continuing the learning beyond today.”
• “We honor the resilience and leadership of Indigenous peoples and commit to listening and acting with care.”
• “Appreciate the thoughtfulness you bring to our culture. Let’s keep building a workplace grounded in respect.”

---

Tie-In: Send a Thoughtful Group Note

If your team is sharing reflections or appreciation, try a respectful group message using a professional design from our Office cards collection. If you’d like to thank a colleague or ERG lead for organizing learning, a warm Thank You card makes that recognition simple.