Here's How You Can Celebrate Native American Heritage Day This November
Native American Heritage Day — the Friday after Thanksgiving — is a special day for Native people and communities across the United States. It is the pinnacle of the 30-day Native American Indian Heritage Month, where we celebrate and acknowledge the rich and diverse histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of the nation’s original inhabitants and their descendants. Native American Heritage Day and Month is also a fitting time to learn more about tribes, as well as the distinct challenges that Native people have faced both historically and presently.
Ahead, discover the history of Native American Heritage Day and how to commemorate the civil holiday.
The History of Native American Heritage Day
According to the United States Senate, New York was the first state to declare an “American Indian Day” in 1916, with other states soon following suit. In 1976, as part of the United States bicentennial commemoration, President Gerald Ford to proclaimed October 10-16, 1976, as “Native American Awareness Week.” President Ronald Regan then designated November 23–30 as “American Indian Week" in 1986, proclaiming a week in autumn to be held to honor Native people each year through 1989.
In 1990, George W. Bush signed into law that the month of November would be Native American Indian Heritage Month. According to the Library of Congress, the month of November was chosen to recognize the Native people "as this month concluded the traditional harvest season and was generally a time of thanksgiving and celebration for American Indians." Then, in 2009, President Barack Obama designated the Friday after Thanksgiving as Native American Heritage Day.
When Is Native American Heritage Day?
In 2022, Native American Heritage Day will be celebrated on November 25.
Ways to Celebrate Native American Heritage Day
There are tons of ways to celebrate Native American Heritage Day and Month, as well as learn more about Native life and people, as towns and cities host festivals, art shows, and museum exhibitions to spotlight Native artists, musicians, and community leaders. You can also honor the culture from home by cooking Native American dishes, reading books by Indigenous authors, and supporting local Native-owned businesses. Looking for fun ways to celebrate? Scroll on for our list of festive activities to do this Native American Heritage Day, and beyond.
Acknowledge What Native Land You Live on
Many years ago, the land you live on was maintained and called home by Native people and tribes. Acknowledging colonization and learning the history of the land you're on not only honors the people it was taken away from but also helps us become better caretakers of the earth. Canadian nonprofit Native Land has worked with Native tribes to create an interactive map of tribal boundaries across the world. Enter your exact location to see whose land you're living on.
Cook Native American Food
Creating an Indigenous dish is a great way to explore the cultures of different tribes. Try Wojapi, a thick berry pudding, or Frybread, a sweet disc of fried white flour, sugar, and lard dough born out of resilience. For a savory dish, try cooking freshly caught salmon on cedar stakes over an open fire or a version of “Three Sisters” — corn, beans, and squash — succotash.
Support Indigenous-owned businesses
Native American Heritage Day is only celebrated for 24 hours, but Indigenous-owned brands and businesses should be supported all year round. Dine at or order takeout from Native-owned restaurants, or shop from stores, beauty brands, and fashion lines founded by Native entrepreneurs.
Read Books by Native authors
Make your next read one by a Native author as a way to celebrate Native American Heritage Day and Month. These YA novels feature powerful stories about the culture, representation, triumphs, and traditions of Indigenous youth. From Wab Kinew's Walking in Two Worlds to Angeline Boulley's Firekeeper’s Daughter, these titles deserve a front-and-center spot on your bookshelf.
Decolonize Thanksgiving Dinner
The traditional Thanksgiving story of the pilgrims and Native Americans sitting down to share a friendly meal will be celebrated across the country on Thanksgiving Day. However, it is important to acknowledge that many Native Americans and allies consider Thanksgiving the “Day of Mourning,” pointing out that the colonized story overlooks how the introduction of European settlers created tragedy like genocide, loss of culture, and theft of land for indigenous communities in the United States. Engaging in conversations about Native American history and triumphs with dinner guests, incorporating Native dishes into the holiday fest, and participating in “Day of Mourning” marches, like the one United American Indians of New England hold every year, are great ways to decolonize the narrative around Thanksgiving.
Donate to Native American Organizations
If you’re able to do so, donating to Native organizations is an impactful way to honor Native American Heritage Day. The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) is a non-profit working to protect Native American rights, resources, and lifeways through litigation, legal advocacy, and legal expertise. The Native American Heritage Association provides "food, clothing, heating assistance, and other emergency programs" for Native families in need living on Reservations in South Dakota and Wyoming, and The American Indian College Fund provides financial support for Native American students, as well as tribal colleges and universities.
Find Events Near You
Many cities and towns in the U.S. organize events to celebrate Native American Heritage Day. Try typing “Native American Heritage Day events near me,” into a search engine to find local food festivals, talks, parades, exhibits, galleries, tours, pop-up markets, and more in your area.
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