American Indian Citizenship Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about American Indian Citizenship Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. American Indian Citizenship Day is observed on June 2nd.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of American Indian Citizenship Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as amusing facts you might want to know about American Indian Citizenship Day.

📅 What day is American Indian Citizenship Day 2024?

In 2024, American Indian Citizenship Day is on Friday, June 2nd. It is the 1st Friday in June; in 2024, it is Sunday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all the cool details and facts about June 2, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

American Indian Citizenship Day is observed on June 2nd to remember the passing of the Indian Citizenship Act in 1924. This act granted American Indian citizenship to all individuals born in the United States. The day is dedicated to honoring the rich history, traditions, and culture of American Indian tribes across the nation. Each tribe has its unique customs and beliefs, and this day recognizes their valuable contributions to American society. It also reminds us of the lasting impact and legacy of American Indians.

📜 American Indian Citizenship Day History

The involvement of American Indians in the 1857 Dred Scott ruling is significant. This ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court declared that Dred Scott, an enslaved person, was not entitled to freedom despite living in a free area. However, the 14th Amendment, which came into effect in 1868, reversed this decision and granted citizenship to everyone born in the country, ensuring equal legal rights and protections. Unfortunately, some interpretations of this amendment excluded American Indians from citizenship.

Surprisingly, the 1870 census showed that there were more American Indians than the populations of five states and ten territories combined. However, a staggering 92% of them were not eligible for citizenship. The Dawes Act of 1887 provided conditional citizenship to American Indians.

Before the Civil War, only American Indians with less than 50% Indian blood were eligible for citizenship. During the Reconstruction era, Republican members of Congress advocated for American Indian tribes to be granted citizenship. In 1888, American Indian women who married U.S. citizens were granted citizenship, and in 1919, American Indian World War I soldiers were also granted citizenship.

Finally, the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 granted full citizenship to American Indians of all tribes. At that time, an estimated 300,000 American Indians were living in the United States, and around 125,000 of them did not possess citizenship.

✅ American Indian Citizenship Day Facts

🔖 National American Indian Heritage Month
President George H.W. Bush proclaimed November as National American Indian Heritage Month in 1990.

🔖 The first “Indians”
Christopher Columbus mistakenly believed that he had reached the East Indies when he arrived in America, leading him to label the local inhabitants as “Indians,” thus creating the term “Indian.”

🔖 For America
Prior to 1924, nearly half of the American Indian population did not hold US citizenship, even though more than 12,000 of them had served in the American military during World War I.

👍 Why Is American Indian Citizenship Day Important

American Indian Citizenship Day honors and celebrates the original inhabitants of America, the American Indians.

American Indian Citizenship Day celebrates American Indian lives, traditions, and cultures. It also contributes to the overall culture of the country.

American Indian Citizenship Day advocates for American Indians and those who support them. It is a day of celebration for the American Indian community.

🙂 How To Observe American Indian Citizenship Day

⚡ Read books

⚡ Visit art museums
You can gain a deeper understanding of American Indian cultures by visiting numerous museums that offer comprehensive information. Take the opportunity to explore and expand your knowledge.

⚡ Talk to people near you
Read works by Native American writers. Look up the history of American Indians. Investigate the languages of American Indians.

📅 When is American Indian Citizenship Day?

Discover all 🔗 June holidays, including 🔗 Cultural and other 🔗 American holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about American Indian Citizenship Day. So be sure to check back soon.