How to Celebrate Native American Day?

Native American Day/ Indigenous People’s Day is celebrated in many U.S states dominated by native Americans, especially in California and South Dakota. Native American Day is celebrated on different days in different states. The most common time to celebrate this day is on the second Monday of October or on Columbus Day.

When was the first Native American Day?

The first Native American day was celebrated in 1916 on the second Saturday of May by Charles Seymor Whitman, the governor of New York. Several other states recognized the day on the fourth Friday of September which is also a national holiday in those states. Tribes against Columbus celebrate the same on Columbus Day AKA the second Monday of October.

How to Celebrate Native American Day?

1990, the year of reconciliation represents the friendship between Native American tribes and the white. Here is how different tribes celebrate National Native American Day in the U.S.

The Navajo Tribe

Situated in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado, the members of the Navajo tribe organize an auction famously known as the “Crownpoint Navajo Rug Auction”. The tribe keeps its tradition of weaving rugs alive by selling beautifully hand woven rugs in the auction. 

The Pueblo Tribe

Native Americans of northeastern Arizona and northwestern New Mexico visit the Hyatt Residency on this day to educate guests on tribe traditions, pottery, Pueblo bread baking, and help in making tribal dream catchers. 

Zuni/Acoma Tribes

The members of these New Mexico tribes organize feasts for clan members and partake in recreational activities like cultural dancing, singing, and storytelling.

Other Tribes

Prominent tribes like Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek and Seminole have cultural heritage centers established on their land. The tribe members meet up as one big family during the day to celebrate the day by staging plays, events, games, parades, and other fun activities. 

Native American Day Celebrations

You can also celebrate the Native American Heritage Holiday by:

• Visiting Native American archaeological sites/ villages.
• Drop by cultural centers, museums, and exhibitions.
• Read about their history.
• Learn a few traditional dances/songs.
• Read books and works done by famous Native Americans.
• Educate yourself about the traditions and culture of tribes in your state.
• Shop at establishments owned by natives.
• Include them in your celebrations.
• Host outreach programs

Happy Native American Day!