American Indian Day Guide

While a federal holiday was not immediately established, several states took the lead in the early 1900s:

An archaeologist and director of the Rochester Museum, Parker was a primary advocate for a national day of honor. In 1912, he persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to adopt a "First Americans" day. american indian day

As president of the Society of American Indians, Coolidge issued a formal proclamation in 1915 declaring the second Sunday of May as American Indian Day. While a federal holiday was not immediately established,

Enacted legislation to celebrate the day on the fourth Friday in September. Enacted legislation to celebrate the day on the

In 1914, James rode 4,000 miles on horseback across the U.S. to gather endorsements from 24 state governors. He presented these signatures to the White House to petition for a national holiday. Early State Observances