2009: Day after Thanksgiving named Native American Heritage Day
President Barack Obama signs “The Native American Heritage Day Resolution 2009,” designating the Friday after Thanksgiving as “Native American Heritage Day.” The resolution had unanimous support in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate.
In signing H.J. Res. 40 into law, President Obama stated, “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.”
- Theme
- Federal-Tribal Relations
- Region
- Arctic, California, Great Basin, Great Plains, Northeast, Northwest Coast, Plateau, Southeast, Southwest, Subarctic
LeRoy Malaterre of Lebanon, Indiana, Chippewa, served as the master of ceremonies for the first annual Native American Heritage Festival Day, Indianapolis, Indiana, 2009
Courtesy Indianapolis Star
Nataly Guerra and Chance Momberg battle for possession of the double ball during a game of the same name at the University of Montana American Indian Heritage Day Celebration. Some form of double ball has been played by Native people in America for centuries.
Courtesy Missoulian Paper
Crystal Morseau of Dowagiac, Michigan, a member of the Pokagon Band of Potowatomis, leads a group of Native Americans and community members in the opening ceremonies of the first annual Native American Heritage Festival Day, in Indianapolis, Indiana, 2009
Courtesy Indianapolis Star