Native American Heritage Day

Oct 15, 2007 | Archives, Blog

The American Indian College Fund supports Senate Bill S. 1852, “the Native American Heritage Day Act of 2007,” which would designate the Friday after Thanksgiving to honor our Indian nations across the country and help highlight the contributions they have made to American history.

Throughout American history, Native Americans have made important contributions to the nation, society, and culture, including the modeling of the separation of powers amongst the branches of government in the U.S. Constitution after the structure of the Iroquois Nation; the role Sacajawea played as a guide and ambassador of peace to Lewis and Clark on their western expedition across the west to the Pacific coast; and the use of American Indian language by Native soldiers as weapons in both World War I and World War II to defeat American enemies. Hopi, Choctaw, Comanche, Kiowa, Winnebago, Seminole, Navajo and Cherokee Americans used their languages as a secret code, and in World War II, the Marines relied on Navajos to create and memorize a code based on the Navajo language.

Today Native Americans continue to live according to their own traditions and cultures, and are making greater contributions than ever before. More than 30 tribal colleges across the country are educating future accountants, doctors, lawyers, health care workers, educators, policymakers, and political leaders.

To recognize the past and present contributions of Native Americans would honor not only our ancestors, but those who are striving to make a better life for themselves and their people. It would also benefit the American people, who would learn more about Native people as a result.

Recent Blog Posts

American Indian College Fund Publishes Eighth Volume of The Tribal College and University Research Journal:

American Indian College Fund Publishes Eighth Volume of The Tribal College and University Research Journal:

The American Indian College Fund, with generous funding from the Henry Luce Foundation, published volume 8 of the Tribal College and University Research Journal. This one-of-a-kind publication was first launched in 2016 and supports tribal college and university (TCU) faculty in disseminating their academic work to Indigenous communities and the wider research community.

Defy the Storm: American Indian College Fund’s New PSA Addresses Challenges Indigenous Students and Communities Face with Funding Cuts

Defy the Storm: American Indian College Fund’s New PSA Addresses Challenges Indigenous Students and Communities Face with Funding Cuts

A “storm” of activity is coming from Washington in the form of funding cuts and executive orders, upending the lives of Native American communities and students; jeopardizing access to the funding, education and opportunity that helped create progress for decades to ensure the success of tribal nations, communities, and people.

If You Want to Protect Children, You Cannot Defend Mascots

If You Want to Protect Children, You Cannot Defend Mascots

Numerous studies, including ones conducted by the federal government, illustrate the harm of racist mascots, especially on youth. Team names and logos should be chosen to instill pride without dehumanizing people, ensuring the safety and prosperity of our children and the future of our communities.