Native American Citizenship Day

Native American Citizenship Day on June 15th every year commemorates the day in 1924 when President Calvin Coolidge signed the Indian Citizenship Act into law, which provided full birthright American citizenship to Native Americans.

History of Native American Citizenship Day

Native Americans have struggled a lot for a long time to retain their culture. However, until 1924, Native Americans were not citizens of the United States anymore. Many Native Americans were, and still are, separate states within the United States on designated reservation lands. But on June 2nd, 1924, Congress granted citizenship to all Native Americans born in the United States. Until 1957, several states banned Native Americans from voting.

At the time of the Indian Citizenship Act, a law known as the Dawes Severalty Act shaped U.S Indian policy. Since 1887, the government has encouraged Native Americans to become more like mainstream America. Hoping to turn Indians into farmers, the federal government gave tribal lands to individuals in 160-acre lots. Unclaimed or "surplus" land was sold, and the money was used to establish schools in India. There, Native American children learned to read, write, and the social habits of mainstream America. By 1932, the sale of unclaimed and allotted land had resulted in the loss of two-thirds of the 138 million acres Native Americans held prior to the Act.

A 1928 study called the Meriam Report assessed Native American problems. The report revealed to the government that its policies oppressed Native Americans and destroyed their culture and society. People suffer from poverty, exploitation and discrimination. This research prompted the passage of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. The act returned some of the surplus land to Native Americans and urged the tribes to engage in active self-government. The U.S. government invests in the development of health care, education, and community structures. The quality of life in India has improved. At present, some Native Americans are successful in business while others still live in poverty and have to face a lot of difficulties daily.

How to celebrate Native American Citizenship Day

• Visit the art museum

Many museums offer a wealth of information about American Indian cultures. Visit and learn more.

• Talk to people near you

If there is Native American in your neighborhood, let contact them, and talk to them to learn more about their culture.

• Read a book

Read books by American Indian authors. Look up American Indian history. Explore the languages spoken by American Indians.