American Indian Heritage Day, also sometimes known as Native American Heritage Day, recognizes the native American heritage, history and contributions. Some states recognize this day as a legal holiday or observance.
Is American Indian Heritage Day a Public Holiday?
American Indian Heritage Day is a public holiday in some areas (see list below), where it is a day off and schools and most businesses are closed. In other areas, American Indian Heritage Day is a normal working day.
What to 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.
What's Open or Closed?
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.
About the Day
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
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