National American Indian Heritage Month

This celebration of American Indian and Alaska Native heritage has roots in efforts at the turn of the century to recognize the significant contributions the first Americans made to the growth and establishment of the United States. Now,while recognizing the continuing contributiions Native Americans make to our country, we also celebrate the traditions and way of life that is such an important part of our history and culture. Starting as a day of recognition in 1916 in some states, then becoming Native Awareness Week in 1976, the celebration expanded to a month in 1990 and has been signified by Presidential proclamation every November since 1994.