National Native American Heritage Day on the day after Thanksgiving honors American Indians across the nation. The day celebrates the vibrant cultures, traditions, and heritages while recognizing Native Americans' many contributions.

The day encourages listening to Native American voices and fostering pride in the vibrant and layered heritage embedded deep within our society.

In the United States today, Native Americans contribute to society daily. Whether through art or government, their insight and perspective elevate an art form or a district. They serve in the military, the medical, and legal fields. Their knowledge wins battles large and small.

Carol Metcalf-Gardipe - Geologist

Ms. Gardipe's many roles include director of the American Indian Engineering Program (the first of its kind) and one of seven founders of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES). She is also a professor, administrator, and an award-winning geologist who held positions with the U.S. Geological Survey, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.

Lila Downs - Musician

The Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter immigrated from Oaxaca, Mexico, and has been singing since she was eight years old. While her Latin style speaks to a global audience, her music also has heavy jazz influences.

Deb Haaland (Rep-D)

Representative Haaland was elected to Congress in 2019 from New Mexico's 1st District. She has served on the Armed Services Committee and Natural Resources Committee. Both parents served in the U.S. Military. Her father was in the Marines, and her mother was in the Navy.

Emory Sekaquaptewa - Anthropologist

Hopi linguist, anthropologist, scholar, educator, artist, and appellate court judge Emory Sekaquaptewa is best known for developing the first Hopi language dictionary.

Master Sgt. Woodrow W. Keeble

In 2008, Keeble became the first full-blooded Sioux Indian to receive the Medal of Honor. During a battle in the Korean War, his actions saved the lives of fellow Soldiers. He was born in 1917 in Waubay, SD, but spent most of his life growing up near Wahpeton, ND. As the war heated up in Europe, Keeble joined the North Dakota National Guard in 1942. His service included World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He earned the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, and the Combat Infantryman Badge in addition to the Medal of Honor.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NativeAmericanHeritageDay

To celebrate Native American Heritage Day, try any of the following:

• Read a story about or by a Native American.
• Visit one of many Native American museums, heritage centers, or historical sights.
• Try a delicious Native American recipe. Pemmican Algonquin Wild Nut Soup Posole with Red Chile
• Watch a movie or documentary about or by a Native American.
• Participate in or watch a game of Lacrosse.
• Attend one of many seminars, performances, or events honoring Native American culture across the country.

Use #NativeAmericanHeritageDay to post on social media.

NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY DAY HISTORY

Riding horseback from state to state in 1914, Red Fox James, a Blackfoot Indian, sought endorsement from 24 states to support a national day recognizing and honoring Native Americans. He presented these endorsements to the White House the following year. At the time, the U.S. government didn't proclaim a national day. However, the state of New York declared the second Saturday in May as American Indian Day.

In 1986, the 99th Congress passed a joint resolution authorizing the President to proclaim November 23-30, 1986, as American Indian Week. President Ronald Reagan declared the first American Indian week that year and each year following his presidency. President George H.W. Bush continued the proclamations until 1990, when he approved a joint resolution to declare November as National American Indian Heritage Month. This tradition has continued annually. In 2008 the Native American Heritage Day Act was enacted by Congress and signed by President George W. Bush on October 8, 2008.

Native American FAQ

Q. How many Native American tribes remain today?
A. There are 574 federally recognized tribes in the United States. There are additional tribes recognized only at the state level. In addition, hundreds of other tribes continue to go through the process of federal recognition.

Q. What is a reservation?
A. A tribal reservation is a section of land reserved for the tribe. In some instances, this was land set aside by the tribe before relinquishing their remaining land to the government. In other instances, the government designated the land through government actions.

Q. Do only Native Americans live on reservations?
A. No. Some non-natives live and own land on reservations. And, not all Native Americans choose to live on a reservation.

Q. What foods do we eat today come from Native American culture?
A. Across the United States, Native American culture is as diverse as any other, including Native American food. Many foods cultivated by Native Americans are incorporated into the food tradition of the United States, such as pumpkin and corn. However, some dishes are quintessentially Native American.

Native American Dishes

• Frybread - Native Americans developed this delicious bread out of necessity. Unable to obtain traditional foods such as beans, corn, and wild rice, Native Americans utilized the foods made available to them by the government. Try frybread sprinkled with powdered sugar, cinnamon, or honey. Another way to enjoy fry bread is an Indian Taco, topped with ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.
• Wild Rice - Unlike white rice, wild rice is native to North America and was a staple food for indigenous people. Today it's still served in various dishes, including soups or combined with mushrooms, nuts, berries, and herbs.
• Succotash - This stew usually contains corn, squash, and beans and dates back to the 17th century. While recipes evolved, they include these primary three ingredients. The result is a hearty, flavorful stew packed with nutrients.

Q. What are some films by Native Americans?
A. Recent films by Native Americans include:

• Run Woman Run directed by Zoe Leigh Hopkins
• Neither Worlf Nor Dog directed by Steven Lewis Simpson
• Rez Metal directed by Ashkan Soltani