Native American Heritage Day, now a national recognition, originates in the early 1900s. Between 1912 and 1915, Dr. Arthur C. Parker of the Seneca Nation first protested for an “American Indian Day” to be observed within the Boy Scouts of America. Fast forward 75 years to 1990 when President George H. W. Bush signed legislation introduced by then Representative Joseph Baca, Sr. (D-CA-32) that designated the day after Thanksgiving as American Indian Heritage Day. Two decades later, with minor tweaks that included the designation “Native American” over Indian, the 1990 law was replaced by the Native American Heritage Day Act of 2009, signed by President Barack Obama on October 30, 2009, after bi-partisan support in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Continuing the day after Thanksgiving Day, Native American Heritage Day encourages Americans of all backgrounds to appreciate the indigenous cultures with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Schools are also encouraged to enhance student awareness of Native Americans by providing classroom activities focused on their history, contributions, and achievements.
Native Americans participating in such educational activities give presentations and celebrate their heritage by donning traditional footwear and discussing the diverse tribal communities within the United States. These activities usually occur prior to Thanksgiving Day and in conjunction with the history of Thanksgiving.
As perhaps many would expect, Native American Heritage Day has not been without its share of controversy. The placement and timing of the holiday has been seen as an insult or at least in poor taste to indigenous heritage and culture. Some have claimed that the recognition on the day after Thanksgiving minimizes its meaning or even insults Native Americans by celebrating events associated with their mistreatment. Another argument is the unfairness of sharing the day with perhaps the most highly commercialized day of the year, that of Black Friday when the focus is so much on material goods and services.
