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Sacagawea Day

On Sacagawea Day, let's honor the bravery and strength of this incredible Native American woman who helped shape our nation's history.

Sunday

December 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEDecember 20

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYFamous People

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate the brave and inspiring Native American woman, Sacagawea, on December 20 for Sacagawea Day! This day is held in honor of her role as an interpreter and guide for the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the early 1800s. She played a crucial role in helping the expedition navigate through unfamiliar territory and interact with different Native American tribes. This day also serves as a reminder of the important contributions that women have made throughout history. So let's celebrate Sacagawea's legacy and all the strong, fearless women who have paved the way for us today!

TIMELINE

Sacagawea Day Timeline

Sacagawea's Birth

Sacagawea was born in the Lemhi County, Idaho, and belonged to the Lemhi Shoshone tribe.

Joining the Expedition

Sacagawea was enlisted alongside her husband, Toussaint Charbonneau, to the Lewis and Clark Expedition as an interpreter and guide.

Birth of Pomp

Sacagawea gave birth to her first child, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, also known as Pomp, while on the expedition.

End of Expedition

The Lewis and Clark Expedition was completed. Sacagawea and her husband were compensated with money and land for their services.

Sacagawea Dollar Coin

The United States Mint released the Sacagawea gold dollar coin as a tribute to her significant role in American history.

First Sacagawea Day

The first Sacagawea Day was celebrated on December 20, providing an opportunity to learn more about her important contribution to American history.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Sacagawea Day

Host a Sacagawea-themed party

Gather friends and family to celebrate Sacagawea Day with a party inspired by her life and legacy. Serve traditional Native American dishes, play games related to her journey with Lewis and Clark, and decorate with symbols and images that represent her culture.

VISIT

Visit a historical site related to Sacagawea

Take a trip to one of the many historical sites related to Sacagawea, such as the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail or the Sacagawea Interpretive Center in Montana. Learn more about her life and the important role she played in American history.

CREATE

Create art inspired by Sacagawea

Get creative and make art pieces that honor Sacagawea's bravery and contributions. This could include paintings, sculptures, or even jewelry using materials that were significant to her culture, such as beads or feathers.

READ

Read a book about Sacagawea

Expand your knowledge about Sacagawea by reading a book about her life and impact. This could be a historical biography or a fictionalized account of her journey with Lewis and Clark. Share what you learned with others to spread awareness about her story.

DONATE

Donate to a Native American organization

Use this day to give back to the Native American community by donating to an organization that works towards preserving and promoting their culture. This could be a local organization or a national one, such as the National Congress of American Indians or the American Indian College Fund.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Sacagawea Day is Important

Her legacy lives on as a powerful symbol of cultural diversity and unity

Sacagawea's story serves as a reminder that different cultures can come together and work towards a common goal. She represents the shared history of Native Americans and Europeans in America and highlights the strength and resilience of diverse communities.

She was a courageous and vital member of the Lewis and Clark expedition

Sacagawea played a crucial role in helping the explorers navigate their way through unfamiliar terrain and communicate with Native American tribes. She also provided invaluable knowledge about the plants, animals, and resources of the land.

She represents the contributions of Native American women to our history

As an interpreter, guide, and symbol of peace, Sacagawea paved the way for future generations of Native American women to play important roles in shaping our country's history. Her bravery and resilience continue to inspire us today.