Native American Heritage Day in United States ― Date, History, and Details

Native American Heritage Day in United States

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History of Native American Heritage Day in United States and How to Celebrate/ Observe It

In the United States, Native American Heritage Day is celebrated on the fourth Friday in September. The day honors the cultures and contributions of Native Americans to the United States. It is also a time to recognize the challenges Native Americans have faced since the arrival of Europeans in the Americas.

Native American Heritage Day can be traced back to the early 20th century, when Native American rights activists started calling for a day to celebrate Native American culture. In 1916, Red Fox James, a Blackfoot Indian, rode horseback from state to state to raise awareness about the need for such a day. His efforts culminated in a day of recognition being established in many states. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed a proclamation declaring November 23 to be National Native American Heritage Day.

Since then, the day has been celebrated with a variety of events and activities across the country. These include powwows, tribal festivals, art exhibits, and educational workshops. Many schools also use the day as an opportunity to teach students about Native American history and culture.