Columbus Day Indigenous Stamps | UPS
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Stamp Series
A visual reframing of history through Indigenous resilience, presence, and truth
Introduction
This stamp collection was created for Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a way to re-examine the narratives that have historically overshadowed Indigenous identity in the United States. Instead of reinforcing the mythology surrounding Columbus, this series centers Indigenous strength, resistance, cultural continuity, and modern achievement. Each stamp highlights a different dimension of Indigenous experience, from historical erasure to cultural pride to contemporary success.
…I mean aren’t
these just
Ancient?
Concept & Artistic Approach
At first I wanted to do a “C” for
Colombus…
Then I realized >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The overarching idea behind this series is contrast. By placing Indigenous imagery alongside long standing national symbols, the stamps challenge viewers to confront the incomplete historical narrative presented in traditional Columbus Day iconography. Silhouettes, color blocking, and bold negative space are used to emphasize visibility versus invisibility. Warm earth tones and textured illustration styles evoke Indigenous artistry, while the composition of each stamp tells a story rooted in truth and resilience.
The Designs Iterations
Stamp One
“Reframing the American Narrative”
Elements:
A silhouette of the iconic Iwo Jima flag raising
A contrasting silhouette of an Indigenous rider on horseback
A stark division between black and white fields
A modern American flag
Meaning:
This stamp juxtaposes one of the most widely recognized images of American heroism with Indigenous displacement and the erasure that accompanied westward expansion. The Indigenous figure is shown in stark white against black, emphasizing how Indigenous presence has been historically pushed into the background. The contrast forces the viewer to acknowledge the layers of history that co-exist but are rarely shown together.
The stamp is not critical of American service or patriotism. Instead, it highlights the simultaneous truths of Indigenous resistance and survival during the formation of the nation.
Stamp Two
“Indigenous Woman with Feathers”
Elements:
A detailed portrait of an Indigenous woman
Traditional beadwork and clothing
Red and white face paint
Feathers held close to the chest
A golden ochre background
Meaning:
This stamp honors Indigenous femininity, cultural pride, and the essential leadership roles Indigenous women continue to hold in many nations. The feathers symbolize honor and responsibility. The red face paint references resilience, visibility, and the tradition of using color to mark identity and significance.
The warm ochre background reflects earth, harvest, and sun the cyclical forces central to Indigenous cosmology. This stamp celebrates the richness and continuity of cultural tradition rather than the narratives of loss that dominate mainstream depictions of Indigenous history.
Stamp Three
“Modern Indigenous Scholar”
Elements:
A contemporary Indigenous graduate
A raised diploma
Traditional buffalo skull imagery incorporated into the regalia
A deep red monochromatic palette
Meaning:
This stamp represents modern Indigenous achievement and the reclaiming of educational spaces that were once tools of oppression. The graduate raises a diploma to symbolize liberation, access, and intellectual sovereignty. The buffalo skull connects the figure to cultural identity and ancestral endurance.
The deep red background is a tribute to strength, survival, and the historical significance of red in Indigenous regalia. This stamp communicates that Indigenous identity is not confined to the past. It is alive, modern, and evolving.
Stamp Four
“Blank Space for Reclaimed Stories”
Elements:
A completely blank interior framed by the stamp border
White negative space
Meaning:
The final stamp in the series symbolizes the stories that have yet to be told. It represents erasure, silence, and the vast amount of Indigenous knowledge, language, history, and narrative that has been overlooked or removed from public view.
The blank space also invites future generations to define their own representation. It serves as a quiet but powerful commentary on how Indigenous peoples deserve authorship over their own narratives rather than having stories imposed upon them.
Final Design
This series challenged me to think critically about the role of design in shaping cultural memory. By using stamps a medium historically used to honor national figures I created a collection that presents a more honest, inclusive, and respectful view of Indigenous identity. Each design is rooted in symbolism and intention, offering viewers a chance to reflect on the complexity of Indigenous histories and futures.