November is National American Indian Heritage Month, a time to recognize the
enormous contributions of America's first peoples. For a brief History of National American Indian Heritage Month,
click here.
As early as 1916, efforts began to honor Native Americans when the
Governor of New York declared "American Indian Day." Many state and local jurisdictions followed
suit over the years. It reached the national level in 1979, when Congress passed a joint resolution
calling for a "Native American Awareness Week." Throughout his time in office, President Reagan
designated several days and weeks as time to celebrate "National American Indian Heritage."
Since that time, each President has issued proclamations declaring November as " National American
Indian Heritage Month." |