The drive for a formal holiday began in the early 20th century, led by Indigenous activists who sought both cultural recognition and legal citizenship for Native Americans.
While a federal holiday was not immediately established, several states took the lead in the early 1900s: american indian day
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 The drive for a formal holiday began in
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. In 1912, he persuaded the Boy Scouts of
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
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.
Enacted legislation to celebrate the day on the fourth Friday in September.