Day | American Indian

The journey of American Indian Day—the precursor to today’s National Native American Heritage Month —is a century-long story of advocacy, from solo horseback rides to federal proclamations. Initially conceived as a single day of recognition, it has evolved into a nationwide celebration of Indigenous cultures and resilience. The Pioneers of Recognition

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. american indian day

While a federal holiday was not immediately established, several states took the lead in the early 1900s: The journey of American Indian Day—the precursor to