Native American Day 2023, 2024 and further

View below the dates for (among others) Native American Day 2023 and Native American Day 2024.
You can also see on which day the holiday falls and how many days it is until this holiday.

Significance of Native American Day 2023

The second Monday of October, annually, marks Columbus Day in many parts the United States but not all states or regions follow this observance. Instead, they celebrate Native American Day 2023. Native American Day 2023 is a federal holiday observed, annually, on the fourth Friday in September in the state of California and on the second Monday in October in South Dakota, United States.

It is a day dedicated to honouring and celebrating Native Americans, the Native American culture and the contribution that Native Americans have made in the past and still continue to make to their respective states and the United States as a whole.

History of Native American Day

Native Americans are considered to be the first Americans to live in and populate the United States. By the time the first explorers and settlers arrived from Europe, Native Americans had populated the entire North American continent, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Gulf of Mexico all the way to the northern reaches of Canada.

In 1968, Governor Ronald Reagan signed a resolution calling for a holiday called “American Indian Day”, to be held the Fourth Friday in September. In 1998, the California Assembly declared “Native American Day” as an official state holiday, observed annually on the fourth Friday in September in the state of California.

In South Dakota (1989), the South Dakota legislature unanimously passed legislation proposed by Governor George S. Mickelson to proclaim 1990 as the "Year of Reconciliation" between Native Americans and white population, to change Columbus Day to Native American Day.

Since 1990, the second Monday in October has been celebrated as Native American Day in South Dakota. South Dakota is the only state to practice the non-observance of the federal holiday of Columbus Day by recognizing Native American Day. Today, both California and South Dakota refer to the holiday as Native American Day 2023.

Traditions of Native American Day 2023

Traditionally, Native American Day 2023 is viewed as a time of honour and celebration. In both California and South Dakota, some organizations and community groups support this day through learning initiatives that focus on the traditions, culture and background of Native Americans. It is a day to celebrate the heritage of Native Americans and for both native and non-native cultures to unite so the many aspects of native culture can be shared. Cultural activities such as markets and gatherings of North America's indigenous people (known as pow-wows), are held and involve dancing, singing and socialising.

When is Native American Day 2023

Native American Day 2023 falls on the fourth Friday in September (in California) and on the second Monday in October (in South Dakota). The date on which the holiday falls on remains the same, but the day of the week changes each year (in both cases); consult the above table for exact holiday dates.See besides 'Native American Day' even more holidays, click on one of the links below.

View or download the 2023 calendar.

See also the 2023 Calendar.