Native Americans have a rich heritage and legacy, full of beautiful moments and unexpected calamities. We’re going to go over some of the most important dates for Native Americans today.

Each one of these carries a great deal of significance for them, and are worth knowing about even if you aren’t Native American.

Indian Removal Act of 1830



Ghost Dance

January 1, 1899

A Native American named Wovoka had a mystical experience that urged him to tell other natives to change for the better and take part in the Ghost Dance ritual to prepare for an age of peace and prosperity.

Allotment/Dawes Act

February 8, 1887



This law, passed by the US government, said that every head of each Native American family was to get 160 acres of tribal land, while every individual would get 80 acres. This act was predominantly seen as an alternative to mass genocide by US forces.

Trail of Tears

April 5, 1838


President Andrew Jackson ordered the Cherokee off their tribal lands against a ruling by the US Supreme Court.  The path they took became known as the Trail of Tears.

Pontiac’s Rebellion

May 1763



A loosely-knit confederation of Native American tribes in the Great Lakes, Illinois, and Ohio regions rose up against the British forces. They were successful and persuaded the British government to change policies to be more favorable toward Native Americans.

Indian Citizenship Act

June 2, 1924



This law granted US citizenship to Native Americans living in the United States. This act removed the ambiguity of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution regarding who was considered to be a citizen.

Indian Reorganization Act (Indian New Deal)

June 18, 1934



This act helped reversed much of the “cultural assimilation” imposed on Native Americans earlier in US history. Its goal was also to strengthen, encourage, and continue Native American cultures in the US.

Battle of Little Bighorn

June 25, 1876



Native chiefs Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull led armies of Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Native Americans to a glorious victory over the vicious assault of US General George Custer and his army.

Native American Heritage Month

August 3, 1990 (Observed every November)

This is a relatively new holiday providing a platform for Native Americans to share aspects of their culture with others. It also offers the opportunity to express their concerns and proposals.

Indigenous People’s Day

October 12, 1992 (Observed on the 2nd Monday of every October)



This is a relatively new holiday celebrating and honoring Native Americans, as well as their history and culture. It has increasingly been replacing Columbus Day in cities and states throughout the United States.

Wounded Knee Massacre

December 29, 1890



US cavalry opened fire on Sioux Native Americans at Wounded Knee Creek, resulting in 300 killed, including women and children. This marked the end of armed Native American resistance to hostile Western forces.