American Indian Day is one of the most important days in the U.S., Native American Day is a public holiday or official state observance only in some states. However, it has been steadily growing in both scope and popularity.
As the name implies, Native American Day is an opportunity to celebrate, learn and share information about the traditions, culture, and background of Native Americans. If you are wondering who Native Americans are, let us tell you that they are the descendants of the aboriginal, indigenous people who were the original inhabitants of the United States.
The term Native Americans encompass hundreds of different tribes, from the Inuit of Alaska to the Cherokees of the southeastern woodlands. Each of these tribes has its own unique culture and language. Native Americans have made distinct and significant contributions to the U.S. and the rest of the world in many fields, such as agriculture, medicine, music, language, and art. Throughout history, they have distinguished themselves as inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and scholars.
In 1998, Native American Day was officially declared a state holiday. In 1990, South Dakota proclaimed this day a year of reconciliation between Native Americans and Caucasian populations. South Dakota did this by changing Columbus Day to Native American Day. This day aims at celebrating the irreplaceable heritage, contributions, and knowledge of the Native American population. It is also a day to commemorate the enduring legacy of their fortitude, energy, and strength. Native American Day is also about appreciating the long history of culture and traditions that Native Americans have preserved through the centuries.
