Governor Ronald Reagan signed a resolution designating the fourth Friday in September as American Indian Day, which later became an official state holiday in 1998. Transition to National Recognition
As president of the Society of American Indians, Coolidge issued a formal proclamation in 1915 declaring the second Sunday of May as American Indian Day. american indian day
Became the first state to officially recognize American Indian Day, choosing the second Saturday in May. Governor Ronald Reagan signed a resolution designating the
While a federal holiday was not immediately established, several states took the lead in the early 1900s: While a federal holiday was not immediately established,
An archaeologist and director of the Rochester Museum, Parker was a primary advocate for a national day of honor. In 1912, he persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to adopt a "First Americans" day.
The focus eventually shifted from a single day to a week, and finally a month, to provide a broader platform for education and celebration. National Native American Heritage Month: November 2025