Native American Heritage Day 2023: Activities, History, FAQs, Dates, and Facts

Native American Heritage Day 2023: Activities, History, FAQs, Dates, and Facts

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY DATES

YEAR	DATE	DAY
2023	November 24	Friday
2024	November 29	Friday
2025	November 28	Friday

Native American Heritage Day 2023: November 24 is observed as National Native American Heritage Day, the day following Thanksgiving. This day is dedicated to the celebration of the diverse cultures, contributions, achievements, and heritage of Native American. Native Americans are the originators of American history, and the bald eagle depicted on the U.S. shield is an Iroquois emblem. While commemorating this day, one may admire exhibitions of their distinctive recipes and cultural attire while also voicing opposition to the heinous injustices they have endured.

The History of National Heritage Day

In 1912 and 1915, Dr. Arthur C. Parker of the Seneca tribe initially staged a demonstration in opposition to National Native American Heritage Day. Initially, he advocated for the recognition of “American Indian Day” by the Boy Scouts of America. President George H. W. Bush signed the legislation in 1990 with the intention of designating the day after Thanksgiving as American Indian Heritage Day. Congressman Joe Baca had proposed it.

November 28 was designated by law as Native American Heritage Day, in remembrance of their innumerable contributions to the United States. 184 tribes recognized by the federal government and the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) both contributed.

Through activities and ceremonies, Native American Heritage Day encourages individuals of all backgrounds in the United States to develop an appropriate appreciation for indigenous cultures. Additionally, educational institutions are recommended to augment their pupils’ consciousness regarding Native Americans through the implementation of classroom exercises that center on their historical background, significant contributions, and notable accomplishments.

The Native American Heritage Day Act of 2009 underwent technical changes after receiving initial approval from the United States House of Representatives, and all senators in the United States Senate subsequently approved those changes. By a unanimous vote, the House of Representatives re-approved the legislation, incorporating the amendments proposed by the Senate. President Barack Obama subsequently ratified the legislation into law on October 30, 2009.

Native Americans utilize Native American Heritage Day and Month as a significant opportunity to inform the public about their communities. They take the lead in discussions surrounding culture on this particular day, where they exhibit traditional footwear (“rocking the moccasin”) to honor their heritage and provide insight into the various tribal communities.

FAQs for National American Heritage Day

Which term is more suitable for use, Native American or American Indian?

Both expressions are suitable.

Do indigenous Americans remit taxes?

Indeed, they do. Individual Americans and their tribes both pay taxes.

How do communities function?

Tribes possess inherent entitlements to govern according to their own systems of governance. Numerous tribal governments have embraced constitutions as part of their organizational frameworks, whereas others continue to adhere to traditional methods of governance. It is common to refer to the chief, governor, president, or tribal chairperson as the governor of a tribe.

Observing Native American Heritage Day: A Guide

Recognize the realities

Observe documentaries or read books that accurately depict the history and culture of Native Americans. Visit an area-specific Native American museum or heritage center.

Participate in social activities

Engage in online forums or social media discussions to commemorate Native American Heritage Day. The #NativeFamily community on TikTok is renowned.

Prepare meals like an authentic Native American.

Specify a dish from Native America to prepare. Consider serving Three Sisters Soup, Pemmican, or a basic Buffalo Stew. Explore the rich recipes of Native American cuisine, which is famous.

Five Native American facts

The mean age of the population is 31.

Native Americans regard thirty-one as the age of middle age.

A minority of Native Americans possess advanced degrees.

8% of Native Americans aged 25 and older hold a professional or graduate degree.

They hold more than 24,000 companies.

Alaska Natives and American Indians own approximately 24,503 enterprises in the United States.

Hundreds of Indian communities exist.

There are 574 Indian tribes that the federal government recognizes as of 2020.

It is the sequoia tree that bears its name.

The massive redwood honors Cherokee leader Sequoyah, who helped create the Cherokee alphabet.