American Indian Day

American Indian Day is a holiday for Americans and has Indian roots. This holiday is for everyone who honors and remembers history.

The History

Everyone knows the Indians are the indigenous population of America. A lot of films and books are written and released about them. There are about 5 million in America. Plenty of large American cities were Indian settlements, which eventually became trading centers, forts, and cities, like Chicago, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, and Detroit. The holiday is celebrated by American Indians and citizens of other nationalities.

American Indian Day was established by US President Ronald Reagan in 1983. The Native American Proclamation was signed in recognition of the people who first settled American territory and made a great contribution to the nation’s development. Every year incumbent president signs a new proclamation.

Interesting Facts

Did you know?

1. Most American Indians live in California.
2. American Indians got civil rights only in 1924.
3. They got the nickname Redskins because of the paint that colored their chests and faces.
4. Some US states’ names have an Indian origin – Arizona, Kentucky, Idaho, and Missouri.

When is American Indian Day celebrated in 2024?

American Indian Day is observed the second Saturday in May.

Observations