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Let's celebrate the rich culture and history of the American Indian community on American Indian Citizenship Day, June 2! This day marks the importance of Native Americans as citizens of the United States. It was established in 1924 to recognize the importance of citizenship for Native Americans, as well as their many contributions to society. This day is a great opportunity to learn more about Native American culture and heritage, and to celebrate their resilience and perseverance throughout history.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1492</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Contact With Europeans</div><div class='timeline-text'>Christopher Columbus lands in the Americas, marking the beginning of long and tumultuous interactions between native tribes and European explorers and settlers.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1830</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Indian Removal Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Andrew Jackson signs the Indian Removal Act, which leads to the forced removal and migration of many Native American tribes, commonly known as the "Trail of Tears".</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1871</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>End of Treaty Making Era</div><div class='timeline-text'>Congress passes the Indian Appropriations Act, declaring that no further treaties should be made with Native tribes. The legislation solidifies federal control over Indian affairs.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1924</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Indian Citizenship Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Indian Citizenship Act is signed by President Calvin Coolidge, granting U.S. citizenship to all Native Americans born within the United States.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1978</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Indian Child Welfare Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Indian Child Welfare Act is implemented to protect Native American cultures and families, addressing the high number of Native children previously taken from their homes by public and private agencies.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Tribal Law and Order Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Tribal Law and Order Act is signed by President Barack Obama, enhancing tribal autonomy by empowering tribal governments to prosecute and punish criminals themselves.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Study Native American history</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to learn about the history of Native Americans in America. Read books, watch documentaries, visit museums, and visit historical sites that explain the struggles of Native Americans.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Powwow</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Powwows are celebrations of Native American culture and heritage. Attend a powwow and experience the beauty of traditional dances, music, and crafts.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a reservation</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Visit an American Indian reservation and learn about the history and culture of the people who live there. Talk to tribal elders and learn more about their beliefs and traditions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support Native American causes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find out what issues are affecting Native American communities and support organizations that are working for positive change. Donate to charities or volunteer your time to help make a difference.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share stories</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Share stories of Native American culture with your friends, family, and community. Share traditional tales, songs, poems, or artwork to keep Native American culture alive.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's acknowledgment of their rights</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>American Indian Citizenship Day is an important recognition of the inherent rights of indigenous people in the United States. It celebrates the passage of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, which granted citizenship to all Native Americans born in the US and reaffirms their right to be treated as full citizens.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates their culture & heritage</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>American Indian Citizenship Day is also a day to acknowledge the rich cultural heritage of Native Americans. Their vibrant history and traditions have been handed down through generations, and it’s important that we remember how valuable they are to our shared national identity.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Its reverence for tribal sovereignty</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The concept of tribal sovereignty is fundamental to American Indian Citizenship Day, as it recognises the autonomy of individual tribes and respects their own laws, regulations and customs. This acknowledgement provides a sense of pride, empowerment and respect for American Indians, marking a turning point in their legal status in this country.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Native American languages are rich and diverse</h3><p class='facts-content'>There were once more than 300 native languages spoken in the US. Some are still spoken today, preserving the rich and diverse linguistic heritage of Native American cultures.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Native cultures held democratic ideals before the U.S. constitution</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Five Nations, had a system of decision making based on consensus that influenced the founding fathers' conception of democracy.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Native American participation in WWI led to Citizenship Act</h3><p class='facts-content'>The contribution of many Native Americans serving in the military during World War I was a key factor in the 1924 enactment of the Indian Citizenship Act.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Native American women have made notable contributions</h3><p class='facts-content'>Prominent Native American women such as Wilma Mankiller, a Cherokee who became the first female chief of a major tribe, and writer Joy Harjo are testament to their significant contributions to society.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Native Americans have contributed to modern medicine</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many modern medicines have been developed from plants originally used by Native American people, indicating their advanced understanding of natural resources and healing.</p></div></div>
American Indian Citizenship Day is celebrated on June 2 every year. In 2024 American Indian Citizenship Day will occur on a Sunday.
2023
Jun 2
Friday
2024
Jun 2
Sunday
2025
Jun 2
Monday
2026
Jun 2
Tuesday
2027
Jun 2
Wednesday
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