Native American Day – September 23, 2022, history significance why we celebrate
Native American Day is celebrated on the fourth Friday of September every year, falling on September 23 this year, as a way of honoring those who have been a part of the American tradition even before the nation of the U.S.A. came into being. However, the history of the Native Americans is written in blood and violence
. After centuries of persecution, not much is left of the tribes and many have integrated into modern society. Those still in touch with their roots, will remember these events and honor their ancestor’s sacrifices. Native American Day is a holiday that hopes to change the way people view Native Americans and their culture.
History of Native American Day
Native Americans were around long before the Europeans decided to colonize and take over the wild forests and plains of the United States. But while many people consider the Native Americans to be a long-forgotten tradition, Native Americans have a steep root in culture and history that has been cultivating for thousands of years.
From the Inuit tribes of Alaska, the Seneca nations of the Northeast, the Cherokees of the South, to the Navajo of the Southwest, Native Americans exist everywhere with different cultural traditions and hundreds of dialects in their languages. By the time Europeans traveled to America during the 15ht century, over 50 million Native Americans lived throughout the continent.
Native American Day is about appreciating the long history of culture and traditions that Native Americans have preserved throughout time. The holiday is celebrated in states such as South Dakota and California. Native American Day was originally called “American Indian Day” when Govoner Ronald Reagan signed a resolution calling for a change in 1968.
Native American Day was officially declared a state holiday in 1998, and South Dakota proclaimed the year 1990 as a year of reconciliation between Native Americans and Caucasian populations, eventually changing Colombus Day to Native American Day. People celebrate this holiday by learning about the different kinds of tribes and cultures that persisted among all odds during what many Natives consider as their genocide.
NATIVE AMERICAN DAY TIMELINE
1492
Christopher Columbus Reaches America
Christopher Columbus arrives in America, thinking it’s India.
1756
The Seven Years’ War
A war breaks out between the British and the French — some Native American tribes side with the French while others support the British.
1907
The First Native American Senator
Charles Curtis becomes the first Native American U.S. Senator.
1924
Indian Citizenship Act
The Indian Citizenship Act grants citizenship to all Native Americans born in the country.
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HOW TO OBSERVE NATIVE AMERICAN DAY
Learn more about Native American Day
You can honor Native American cultures by learning more about the tribes of your local area. Be respectful of their traditions and take the time to learn the history of Native American Day.
Visit a museum
Most museums in America have a rich collection of Native American artifacts. Visit a museum to take a look at Native American arts and culture through the ages.
Attend an event
Events, parades, and seminars are always a part of Native American Day celebrations. Attend an event near you to find out more about Native American life and traditions.
5 FACTS ABOUT NATIVE AMERICANS THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND
They’ve inspired the mohawk hairdo
The Mohawk hairstyle is named after the Mohawks, a tribe of the Iroquois nation.
Lacrosse has Native American roots
Lacrosse was first played by people of the Southeast, especially the Choctaw.
Totem poles have special meanings
Totem poles often depict animals that are special to the family.
In a way they invented popcorn
Native Americans first domesticated the strain of maize that produces popcorn.
The artifacts are legally protected
You cannot take home an artifact that you have found on indigenous people’s lands.
WHY NATIVE AMERICAN DAY IS IMPORTANT
It honors the community
Native Americans have lived on American soil long before it was colonized. The day honors one of the first communities to have inhabited the Americas.
It recognizes their history
Although rich and long, Native American history is also marred with discrimination and violence. The day acknowledges the resilience of the people and the injustices that they have had to face.
A day to learn
Native American people are known for their deep bond with wilderness and nature. Take a cue from their lifestyle to learn more about how you can live sustainably.
