Native American Day in United States ― Date, History, and Details
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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of Native American Day in United States and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of Native American Day in United States and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
In the United States, Native American Day is a holiday that celebrates and honors the indigenous peoples of the Americas. It is also known as Indigenous Peoples Day. The holiday is observed on the second Monday in October, and it is a legal holiday in some states.
The holiday originated in 1916, when the governor of New Mexico declared October 12 to be American Indian Day. It was created to encourage people to celebrate the contributions and culture of Native Americans. In 1990, South Dakota became the first state to officially recognize the holiday.
Since then, several other states have followed suit. In 2017, the city of Berkeley, California renamed Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day. The move was made in an effort to shift focus away from the Italian explorer and towards the people who were already living in the Americas when Columbus arrived.
There are a variety of ways to celebrate Native American Day. Many people take the opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of Native Americans. Others participate in traditional dances or listen to Native American music. Some people also visit Native American reservations or museums.