Native American Heritage Day – 10 Oct 2022
American Indians are accorded special honor on this day, and their rich cultures, accomplishments, contributions, and heritage are celebrated. The history of America begins with Native Americans, and the bald eagle on the U.S. shield is an Iroquois symbol. On this day, we can enjoy displays of their cultural fashion and unique recipes and speak out against the grave injustices they have experienced.
HISTORY OF NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY
American Heritage Day. He initially battled for the Boy Scouts of America to acknowledge a "American Indian Day." The legislation sponsored by Congressman Joe Baca to declare the day following Thanksgiving as American Indian Heritage Day was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush in 1990. As a day to honor Native Americans for their countless contributions to the United States, the law was enacted on November 28. The National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) and 184 federally recognized tribes celebrated American Indian Heritage Day.
Native American Heritage Day promotes respect for indigenous traditions among Americans of all backgrounds through ceremonies and other events. Schools are urged to increase their pupils' knowledge of Native Americans by offering lessons on their history, contributions, and accomplishments.
The Native American Heritage Day Act of 2009 was initially approved by the US House of Representatives, with minor technical changes agreed upon by the US Senate as a whole. The law was passed by the House of Representatives with all of the Senate's amendments included. President Barack Obama subsequently signed the bill into law on October 30, 2009.
Native Americans have a great opportunity to inform the public about their communities on Native American Heritage Day and Month. More than ever on this day, they take the lead in fostering cultural dialogue, honor their ancestry by donning traditional attire (known as "rocking the moccasin"), and shed light on the many indigenous communities.
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY FAQS
What is the more appropriate term to use, American Indian or Native American?
Both terms are appropriate.
Do American Indians pay taxes?
Yes, they do. Both tribes and individual American Indians pay taxes, except those who work on a reservation.
How are tribes organized?
Tribes have innate rights to govern under their own systems of government. Tribal governments have various structures, and several of them have adopted constitutions, while others retain traditional methods of rulership. The governor of a tribe is commonly called the tribal chairperson, chief, governor, or president.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY
1. Know the facts
Watch films or read books that accurately depict the history and culture of Native Americans. Visit a nearby Native American museum or heritage site.
2. Be socially active
Participate on social media or in online events observing Native American Heritage Day. TikTok’s #NativeFamily is a famous Native American Heritage community.
3. Cook like a true Native American
Choose a Native American meal to make. Try Three Sisters Soup, Pemmican, or simple Buffalo Stew. Native American meals are famously delightful, so try out some of their decadent recipes.
5 FACTS ABOUT NATIVE AMERICANS
1. Few Native Americans hold a professional degree
8% of Native Americans over 25 have a graduate or professional degree.
1. Their median age is 31
Native Americans consider the age of 31 as middle age.
1. They own over 24,000 businesses
American Indians and Alaska Natives own about 24,503 businesses in the U.S.
1. The sequoia tree has a namesake
The giant redwood tree is named after the Cherokee leader Sequoyah, who helped develop the Cherokee alphabet.
1. There are hundreds of Indian tribes
As of 2020, the number of federally recognized Indian tribes equals 574.
WHY NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY IS IMPORTANT
1. To accord rightful respect
It is a day to honor and recognize the indigenous people’s contributions to the United States. An official holiday enlightens people on how to do this right.
2. For appropriate involvement in their culture
We take part in the rich and diverse art, culture, and tradition of the Native people. This particular day allows us to bask in the beauty and uniqueness of their heritage, experiencing its multifaceted nature.
3. We learn and educate others
We learn and are inspired by how tribal citizens have synergized to conquer these challenges, and we hear these stories from the Natives themselves. It is the perfect chance to educate the public, to raise awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced, past and present.
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