American Indian Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about American Indian Day

American Indian Day is celebrated annually on the fourth Friday of September. This year, the holiday will be observed on September 22. Native American Day is a public holiday or official state observance in only a few states, despite being one of the most significant days in the U.S. However, both its scope and popularity have been continuously expanding. Importantly, some states observe this holiday on the second Monday of October.

The background of American Indian Day

Native American Day is an occasion to celebrate, learn, and share information about the traditions, culture, and history of Native Americans, as suggested by its name. Native Americans are descendants of the aboriginal, indigenous people who were the country’s first inhabitants.

Native Americans refers to hundreds of distinct communities, ranging from the Inuit of Alaska to the Cherokees of the southeastern woodlands. Each of these communities has its own distinct language and culture. Native Americans have made significant contributions to the United States and the rest of the world in numerous disciplines, including agriculture, medicine, music, language, and the arts. They have distinguished themselves throughout history as inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and scholars.

Native American Day became an official state holiday in 1998. South Dakota declared this day to be a year of reconciliation between Native American and Caucasian populations in 1990. South Dakota accomplished this by renaming Columbus Day Native American Day. This day is intended to honor the irreplaceable heritage, contributions, and knowledge of Native Americans. It is also a day to honor the enduring legacy of their perseverance, vigor, and strength. Native American Day is also about recognizing the centuries-long legacy of culture and traditions that Native Americans have maintained.

5 Facts Regarding American Indian Day

The terms “Native Americans” or “Indigenous Americans” are frequently used to refer to individuals in Canada and the United States.

Christopher Columbus believed he had landed in the East Indies and referred to the natives as “Indians.”

Numerous state names in the United States, including Arizona, Connecticut, Kentucky, and Missouri, derive from Native American words.

Significant Native American influence can be seen in the words chia, chili, chocolate, coyote, guacamole, mesquite, peyote, shanty, tamale, tomato, abalone, bayou, cannibal, and Chinook, manatee, poncho, and potato.

It is derived from the Arawakan language and means “framework of sticks.”

AMERICAN INDIAN DAY DATES