About National Native American Heritage Day
Native American Heritage Day, signed into law in 2008, takes place the day after Thanksgiving and honors Native Americans across the nation. The day celebrates the vibrant cultures, traditions, and heritages while recognizing the many contributions Native Americans have made.
When signing the day into law, President Barack 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.”
Facts and Figures
- The nation’s American Indian and Alaska Native population was 6.9 million in 2018, including those of more than one race.
Source: Vintage 2018 Population Estimates - The were 324 distinct federally recognized American Indian reservations in 2018, including federal reservations and off-reservation trust land.
Source: U.S. Gazetteer Files - There were 573 federally recognized Indian tribes in 2018.
Source: Bureau of Indian Affairs, 2019 - There were 141,438 single-race American Indian and Alaska Native veterans of the U.S. armed forces in 2018.
Source: 2018 American Community Survey
Related Observances
Native American Day
Native American Day is a good reminder to reflect on, and learn more about, the important contributions of Native American people.
Read More
Read More
Similar Observances
National Day of Racial Healing
The National Day of Healing is celebrated annually the day after the national holiday for Martin Luther King Jr.
Read More
Read More
Black History Month
Celebrate Black History Month and discover the pivotal moments and achievements that have shaped history and culture.
Read More
Read More
Women's History Month
March was chosen to be National Women's History Month in the United States, declared as such by a biennial Joint Resolution of the U.S. Congress in 1987.
Read More
Read More
Other Observances on November 28th 2025
National French Toast Day
When drinking today raise your glass and say here's to bread, flour, egg, sugar and vanilla - it's a French Toast!
Read More
Read More
Flossing Day
Flossing is an important part of dental hygiene, so use this day to clear out any lingering bits from your Thanksgiving meal.
Read More
Read More
