- Categories:
- Appreciation
- Tags:
- AmericanHistorical
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- 2nd Monday of October
- Holiday emoji:
- 🦅
National Native American Day recognizes the profound contributions and vibrant cultures of Indigenous peoples across the United States every second Monday of October. Take time to learn about tribal histories, support Native American artists, and participate in local cultural events to honor their heritage.
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Expected National Native American Day Deals
On National Native American Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to supporting Indigenous communities and businesses. Organizations like the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) often highlight educational campaigns and fundraising drives. Many Native-owned businesses, from art galleries to food purveyors, see increased visibility and support. Retailers like Eighth Generation (Seattle, WA) and Beyond Buckskin Boutique (North Dakota) offer authentic Indigenous-designed goods. Local cultural centers and museums may offer free or discounted admission for special exhibits. We will update this page with confirmed live events and initiatives as October 12 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Native American Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NativeAmericanDay. Share photos of Indigenous art, historical sites, or educational resources to foster appreciation.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #NativeAmericanDay. Participate in discussions about Indigenous rights, history, and contemporary issues, amplifying Native voices.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NativeAmericanDay. Share events from local tribal communities or educational content about specific nations and their traditions.
National Native American Day Hero
Sacagawea
History of National Native American Day
National Native American Day, as the name suggests, honors Native Americans. They are supposed to be the first Americans to settle and dwell in America. Before the first European explorers and settlers arrived, North Americans had occupied the whole North American continent. Native Americans have played a significant role in the history of the United States, so it is only fitting that there is a day set aside to celebrate them! However, while many see Native Americans as a long-forgotten legacy, Native Americans have deep cultural and historical roots that have been cultivated for thousands of years.
Native Americans are located everywhere, from the Inuit tribes of Alaska to the Seneca Nations of the Northeast, the Cherokees of the South, and the Navajo of the Southwest, with diverse cultural traditions and hundreds of varieties in their languages. By the time Europeans arrived in America in the 15th century, there were approximately 50 million Native Americans spread over the continent. Thus, Native American Day celebrates the vast heritage of culture and customs that Native Americans have retained throughout history.
National Native American Day was first seen as a holiday in 1998, and South Dakota announced 1990 to be a year of reconciliation between Native Americans and Caucasian populations, subsequently converting the former Columbus Day to Native American Day. People observe this event by learning about the many tribes and civilizations who persevered against all obstacles during what many Native Americans regard to be their genocide.
National Native American Day timeline
Archaeologists believe Native Americans arrived in America from Asia about 12,000 B.C.
Dr. Arthur C. Parker of the Seneca Nation begins his fight to have an "American Indian Day" recognized by the Boy Scouts of America.
Native Americans are finally awarded citizenship in their ancestral nation as Congress passes the Indian Citizenship Act.
National Native American Day becomes a state holiday in 1998, and South Dakota declares 1990 to be the year of reconciliation between Native Americans and Caucasian people.
National Native American Day FAQs
When is National Native American Day?
National Native American Day 2026 falls on Monday, October 12. This observance honors the rich history and cultural contributions of Indigenous peoples across the United States.
How many Native American tribes are recognized?
As of 2026, there are 574 federally recognized Native American tribes in the United States, each with its own distinct government, culture, and history. Additionally, many state-recognized and unrecognized tribes exist.
How many Native Americans live in the U.S.?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Native American and Alaska Native population (alone or in combination with other races) is approximately 9.7 million people as of recent estimates. This population is diverse, encompassing hundreds of distinct tribal nations.
What is the difference between National Native American Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day?
National Native American Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day both honor Native peoples, often observed on the same day as Columbus Day. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a movement to reframe the holiday to recognize the original inhabitants of the Americas rather than European colonization.
How to Observe National Native American Day
Find out more about National Native American Day
Learn more about the tribes in your region to celebrate Native American customs. Respect their customs and take the time to learn about National Native American Day's history.
Go to a museum
Most museums in the United States contain a large collection of Native American items. Visit a museum to learn about Native American arts and culture throughout the centuries.
Cook as if you were a real Native American
Make a Native American-inspired dinner. Three Sisters Soup, Pemmican, or a basic Buffalo Stew are good options. Native American cuisine is known for being delectable, so try some of their sumptuous delicacies.
5 Facts About Native Americans
Started in early 1900
The Red Fox James, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, rode his horse from state to state, gaining the support of 24 state governments to establish a day to celebrate American Indians.
The Native American relocation
The Indian Removal Act of 1830 forcibly transfers Native people from Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee to "Indian territory" in what is now Oklahoma.
The Americas were not discovered by Columbus
There were already around 50 million Native Americans and Indigenous peoples in the Americas before Europe "found" them.
Native populations are increasing
In 2020, 9.7 million Americans were classified as Native American or Alaska Native, an 86.5% increase from the 2010 census.
Cherokee is the most populous tribal grouping
Cherokee, Navajo, and Latin American Indian tribes are the three largest Native American tribal groups.
Why National Native American Day is Important
It pays homage to the community
It is a day to respect and appreciate the contributions of indigenous peoples to the United States. An official holiday educates people on how to properly accomplish this.
It serves as a great reminder
Native American history is tainted by injustice and brutality, despite its richness and length. The day honors the people's fortitude as well as the hardships they have had to endure.
We learn and educate others
We learn and are impressed by how tribal residents have collaborated to overcome these obstacles, and we hear these stories directly from the Natives. It's the ideal opportunity to educate the public about the particular issues that Native people have faced in the past and now.
National Native American Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 13 | Monday |
| 2026 | October 12 | Monday |
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