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| Native American Day | |
|---|---|
| Holiday name | Native American Day |
| Type | Cultural |
| Observed by | United States |
| Significance | Day to honor Indigenous peoples |
| Date | Varies by state |
| Frequency | Annual |
Native American Day Native American Day is an observance honoring Indigenous peoples in the United States, intended to recognize the histories and contributions of Native nations such as the Navajo Nation, Cherokee Nation, Sioux, Chippewa, and Pueblo peoples. The observance has roots in advocacy by tribal leaders, activists, and organizations including the National Congress of American Indians, American Indian Movement, Association on American Indian Affairs, and prominent individuals like Will Rogers, Gerald R. Ford, Hamilton Fish and Ben Nighthorse Campbell. It exists alongside federal observances such as Columbus Day and commemorations connected to treaties like the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and events such as the Trail of Tears.
Origins of the observance trace to 1915 ceremonies and proclamations by civic figures like Arthur C. Mellette and advocacy from organizations including the Society of American Indians, National Congress of American Indians, Taos Pueblo leaders, and cultural figures such as Will Rogers and John Collier. In the 20th century, activism by the American Indian Movement, legal efforts influenced by cases such as Worcester v. Georgia, and congressional debates involving legislators like Barry Goldwater and Daniel Inouye shaped public recognition. State proclamations and statutes in places like South Dakota, California, Nevada, and Utah reflect shifting policy influenced by events including the Occupation of Alcatraz, the Wounded Knee standoff, and cultural revivals led by figures such as Vine Deloria Jr. and institutions like the Smithsonian Institution.
States and localities observe the day on a variety of dates tied to calendars such as the second Monday in October, alternative dates in September, or fixed dates established by legislatures in California, South Dakota, Nevada, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Some jurisdictions schedule the observance to coincide with or replace Columbus Day as seen in actions by officials like California Governor Jerry Brown, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, and municipal bodies in cities such as Seattle and Albuquerque. Dates are often set through state law, gubernatorial proclamation, or municipal resolution involving bodies like the California State Assembly, Nevada Legislature, and city councils including Los Angeles City Council and San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
Recognition varies by statute, executive order, and municipal ordinance across jurisdictions including South Dakota, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, and Oklahoma. Legislative actions have involved lawmakers such as Governor Pete Wilson, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor Steve Sisolak, and members of congress including Deb Haaland and Markwayne Mullin. Federal recognition remains distinct from state observances; federal holidays established by acts of Congress such as the Uniform Monday Holiday Act differ from state proclamations and tribal resolutions passed by bodies like the Navajo Nation Council and the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council.
The observance highlights cultural practices, languages, and arts of nations including the Lakota, Dakota, Hopi, Zuni, Apache, Blackfeet Nation, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Seminole Tribe of Florida, and the Haudenosaunee. Traditions around the day often involve performances of music and dance from cultural practitioners like members of the Powwow circuit, demonstrations of crafts by artisans associated with institutions such as the National Museum of the American Indian, and language revitalization initiatives connected to programs at universities like the University of New Mexico and cultural centers like the Heard Museum. Ceremonial participation may include tribal leaders, elders, veterans associated with advocacy organizations such as the Native American Rights Fund, and educational outreach by museums, libraries, and schools such as Bureau of Indian Education sites.
Public events include powwows, lectures, art exhibitions, film screenings, and festivals organized by entities such as the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, American Indian Community House, universities like University of California, Berkeley and University of Arizona, and tribal governments including the Navajo Nation. Annual festivals and conferences feature artists like R. Carlos Nakai and authors such as Louise Erdrich, and programming by media outlets including PBS and the National Public Radio Native Desk. Cities from New York City to Phoenix host ceremonies, while state capitals such as Pierre, South Dakota and Sacramento see official proclamations and legislative events.
Debate surrounds the observance’s relationship to Columbus Day, with critics citing historical controversies tied to figures like Christopher Columbus and events such as the Spanish colonization of the Americas. Some Native leaders and organizations, including activists from the American Indian Movement and scholars like Vine Deloria Jr., have argued for substantive policy change rather than symbolic recognition, pointing to legal disputes exemplified by cases such as Carcieri v. Salazar and ongoing treaty enforcement issues referenced in litigation brought by groups represented by the Native American Rights Fund. Tensions also arise over commercialization and representation in events sponsored by corporations and municipalities including Disneyland and Las Vegas entities.
Representation has evolved in film, television, literature, and curricula with works by filmmakers and authors such as Sterlin Harjo, Chris Eyre, Jim Jarmusch (who collaborated with Native artists), Louise Erdrich, Sherman Alexie, and institutions like PBS and The New York Times covering Indigenous issues. Educational initiatives tied to the observance involve curricula developed by organizations such as the National Indian Education Association, tribal colleges like Diné College, and university programs at Harvard University and University of California, Los Angeles that partner with museums such as the Autry Museum of the American West to teach histories including the Trail of Tears and treaty relations like the Treaty of Fort Laramie (1868). Debates about textbook portrayals have engaged publishers, school districts, and state education boards in California, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.