Native American Heritage Day
by Sarah Formica
On Friday, November 27, 2020, the day after Thanksgiving, America will be celebrating Native American Heritage Day. This is a holiday to celebrate the first people of this nation as well as their culture and importance. It also celebrates the traditions of Indigenous people throughout history. It is a day to recognize these people and their contributions to this country.
Native American Heritage Day became a national holiday in 2009 during the Obama administration. President Obama signed “The Native American Heritage Day Resolution”, which made it an official holiday. The holiday falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving each year. After signing the resolution, President Obama said, “I encourage every American to join me in observing Native American Heritage Day....It is also important for all of us to understand the rich culture, tradition, and history of Native Americans and their status today, and to appreciate the contributions that First Americans have made and will continue to make to our Nation.”
Despite many people’s excitement about the holiday, only 184 out of 567 of the federally recognized tribes in America actually supported the bill. Brian Perry, a Native Hope ambassador, said, “As a Native American, I feel slighted. The day after Thanksgiving? Almost an afterthought. With November being Native American Heritage Month, there are 28 other days to select from with of course Thanksgiving having its long established day to itself. Why must we take a backseat to Thanksgiving? Why not the day before Thanksgiving?” Many also find that this was a bad date to pick because the day after Thanksgiving is also the infamous Black Friday. People feel as though more Americans are worried about getting good deals on TVs than about Native American culture and tradition.
So, despite the poor timing of this holiday, make sure that you spend this Friday celebrating the long heritage of Indigenous people in America. Remember the history of these people and all that they’ve done and continue to do for America. Most of all, lift up the voices of Native Americans and listen to what they have to say. They should not be silenced in their own country.