American Indian Heritage Day in United States

American Indian Heritage Day, also known as Native American Heritage Day, annually recognizes the rich cultural heritage, history and vital contributions of American Indians on the Friday after Thanksgiving Day in the United States.

Some individual states, such as Maryland have taken legislative action to recognize this day as a state holiday.

What Do People Do?

Many people observe American Indian Heritage Day with activities, programs, and ceremonies that promote the historical and present day status of Native Americans and the Native American tribal governments. These events celebrate the culture, traditions, and languages of Native Americans that all Americans enjoy today

The day also encourages public elementary and secondary schools to educate students about the history, achievements, and contributions of Native Americans by providing classroom instructions and activities.

Public Life

American Indian Heritage Day is a civil holiday but some individual states, such as Maryland recognize this day as a state holiday. Maryland state agencies, libraries and public schools are closed on this day and most state employees and many others have the day off from work.

Background

Native Americans are the descendants of the aboriginal, indigenous, native people who were the original inhabitants of the United States. American Indian Heritage Day aims to highlight the relationship between the United States government and the Native American governments, as well as honor the achievements and contributions of Native Americans to the US.

Native Americans have made distinct and significant contributions to the United States and the rest of the world in many fields, including agriculture, medicine, music, language, and art. Throughout history, Native Americans have distinguished themselves as inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, as well as scholars.

American Indian Heritage Day Observances

Related holidays

• Native Americans' Day ―Monday, October 14, 2013, Monday, October 14, 2013
• International Day of the World's Indigenous People ―Friday, August 9, 2013
• Thanksgiving Day ―Thursday, November 28, 2013

Other holidays in November 2013 in United States

• All Saints' Day ―Friday, November 1, 2013
• All Souls' Day ―Saturday, November 2, 2013
• Daylight Saving Time ends ―Sunday, November 3, 2013
• Diwali/Deepavali ―Sunday, November 3, 2013
• Muharram/Islamic New Year ―Tuesday, November 5, 2013
• International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict ―Wednesday, November 6, 2013
• World Science Day for Peace and Development ―Sunday, November 10, 2013
• Veterans Day ―Monday, November 11, 2013
• World Diabetes Day ―Thursday, November 14, 2013
• World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day ―Thursday, November 14, 2013
• International Day for Tolerance ―Saturday, November 16, 2013
• World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims ―Sunday, November 17, 2013
• International Men's Day ―Tuesday, November 19, 2013
• Universal Children's Day ―Wednesday, November 20, 2013
• Africa Industrialization Day ―Wednesday, November 20, 2013
• World Philosophy Day ―Thursday, November 21, 2013
• World Television Day ―Thursday, November 21, 2013
• International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women ―Monday, November 25, 2013
• First Day of Hanukkah ―Thursday, November 28, 2013
• Thanksgiving Day ―Thursday, November 28, 2013
• Black Friday ―Friday, November 29, 2013
• Presidents' Day ―Friday, November 29, 2013
• International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People ―Friday, November 29, 2013
• Lincoln's Birthday ―Friday, November 29, 2013