Native American Day in the United States

While the second Monday of October marks Columbus Day in many parts of the United States, some states instead observe Native American Day, a celebration of North America's Indigenous peoples and their cultures.

Is Native American Day a Public Holiday?

This is not a public holiday. Government and public offices, businesses, and schools are not closed on this day but may hold special events and outreach programs to commemorate the annual observation.

Where and When Is Native American Day Celebrated?

Native American Day is a public holiday or official state observance only in some states. However, it has been steadily growing in both scope and popularity. Some states celebrate it on the second Monday of October, while others have moved the celebration to different dates. The table below shows where and when it is observed.

In Arizona, the holiday is a legal state holiday and is observed on June 2, if it is a Sunday. When June 2 falls on any other weekday, it is observed on the following Sunday.

Some states observe a similar celebration called Indigenous People's Day.

Celebrating Native American Day

Native American Day is an opportunity to celebrate and learn about the traditions, culture, and background of Native Americans. Events vary from one place to another, but they may include pow wows, markets, or exhibitions.

Background

Native Americans are the indigenous peoples of North America. The term encompasses hundreds of different tribes, from the Inuit of Alaska to the Cherokees of the southeastern woodlands, each of whom has its own unique culture and language.

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.