Native American Day

About Native American Day

The fourth Friday in September is Native American Day, where residents of California and Nevada honor the indigenous people of the United States. It is observed as a holiday in these states with some government buildings closing.

In South Dakota, it is celebrated on the second Monday in October with a state holiday. 

California was the first state to honor this day. Governor Culbert Olson started the tradition in 1939, dedicating October 1st as "Indian Day." Then in 1968, then-Governor Ronald Regan signed a resolution calling for the holiday to be held the fourth Friday in September. It wasn't until 1998, however, that the California Assembly passed AB 1953; this made Native American Day an official state holiday. Nevada also declared the fourth Friday of September Native American Day in 1997.

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