Native Women’s Equal Pay Day is observed annually to highlight and protest the persistent wage gap faced by Native American, Alaska Native, and Indigenous women across the United States. The date changes over time — typically falling in November — and designates how far into the year Native women must work to earn what non-Hispanic white men earned the previous year. 1
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History of Native Women’s Equal Pay Day
The concept stems from the broader movement of Equal Pay Day, which began in 1996 to draw attention to gender pay inequality.
As advocates recognized that wage gaps differ among demographic groups, specific days started being designated for different communities — including a dedicated day for Native women.
Over the years, this day has become a platform for Indigenous organizations, activists and allies to raise awareness of systemic inequities rooted in discrimination, historical injustice, and structural barriers.
Why Native Women’s Equal Pay Day is important
Native Women’s Equal Pay Day shines a light on one of the largest wage gaps in the U.S., underscoring economic injustice faced by Indigenous women.
It draws attention to the historical and structural factors, including discrimination, underinvestment in Native communities, limited access to high-pay jobs and occupational segregation, that perpetuate inequality across generations.
By raising public awareness, the day encourages policy makers, employers and communities to commit to pay equity, fair employment practices, and better support for Native families and communities.
- It exposes a deep and persistent wage gap for Native and Indigenous women.
- It raises public awareness about systemic inequality and economic injustice.
- It advocates for fair pay, transparency and workplace equity.
- It supports Indigenous women-led activism and community empowerment.
- It highlights the connection between pay equity, social justice and intergenerational well-being.
How to Observe Native Women’s Equal Pay Day
Observing this day often involves education and advocacy: sharing factual data about pay gaps, supporting Indigenous women’s organizations, and calling for policy change that ensures fair pay and equal opportunities.
Individuals might also support businesses owned by Indigenous women, amplify voices of Native workers, or participate in events and discussions focused on equity and social justice.
- Share information about the pay gap for Native women on social media or with friends.
- Support Indigenous-owned businesses and Native women entrepreneurs.
- Join or donate to organizations working toward pay equity and Indigenous rights.
- Participate in online or local events, webinars or campaigns about equal pay and justice.
- Advocate for transparency in salaries and fair employment policies in workplaces.
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