While the second Monday of October marks Columbus Day in many parts of the United States, some states instead observe Native American Day, a celebration of North America's Indigenous peoples and their cultures.
Is Native American Day a Public Holiday?
Native American Day 2025 is a state observance in 5 states and a state holiday in Arizona and South Dakota.
Many Native Americans take part in celebrating Native Americans' Day or Indigenous People's Day in the United States through activities such as pow wows.
Native American Day is a public holiday or official state observance only in some states. However, it has been steadily growing in both scope and popularity. Some states celebrate it on the second Monday of October, while others have moved the celebration to different dates. The table below shows where and when it is observed.
In Arizona, the holiday is a legal state holiday and is observed on June 2, if it is a Sunday. When June 2 falls on any other weekday, it is observed on the following Sunday.
Native American Day is an opportunity to celebrate and learn about the traditions, culture, and background of Native Americans. Events vary from one place to another, but they may include pow wows, markets, or exhibitions.
Background
Native Americans are the indigenous peoples of North America. The term encompasses hundreds of different tribes, from the Inuit of Alaska to the Cherokees of the southeastern woodlands, each of whom has its own unique culture and language.
While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.