November
In 1914 Red Fox James of the Blackfeet tribe rode a pony 4,000 miles
to present his request˙endorsed by the governors of 24 states - that
a day be set aside in honor of American Indians, or Native Americans,
a name many prefer.
The first general American Indian Day was observed on the second
Saturday in May 1916, but throughout the 20th century, the observance
and its date were left to the individual states, and they have varied
widely.
Since 1995 the month of November has been observed as American
Indian Heritage Month.
Few would argue that the plight of American Indians today is not a grim
one, with unemployment, illiteracy, and high school drop-out rates
among the highest in the country. Although the largest Indian
populations can be found in Oklahoma, Arizona, California, New
Mexico, and North Carolina, many other states have come up with
ways to draw attention to their unique contribution to American culture
and to the need for improving their condition. Most celebrations focus
on educational and promotional events, displays of Native American
art and dance, and agricultural fairs.
Full story:
https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/American+Indian+Heritage+Month
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