American Indian Citizenship Day

American Indian Citizenship Day is a holiday created to celebrate the recognition of the rights of America’s first settlers. In 1924, they were finally granted citizenship, which gave them all the rights on an equal footing with all Americans. That’s why this holiday is so important for American Indian people.

History

When the US Constitution was first approved, Indians were not considered full citizens. According to the law, they did not even have freedom. In 1868, amendments were made to guarantee their right to freedom, but they still could not acquire citizenship and the corresponding rights. In 1887, the first step in this case took place – American Indians were granted conditional citizenship. But this was not permanent, and still did not give them all civil rights.

One year later, women of American Indian origin who married Americans could receive US citizenship. Indian men were still disenfranchised. In 1924, the US Congress passed a law which gave the indigenous population of America their long-awaited citizenship, all the benefits they were entitled to, and they became full citizens of their native country. The law was passed on June 2, which was also chosen as American Indian Citizenship Day.

Interesting Facts

The American Indians are the indigenous population of America, but they were not granted civil rights for a long time.

1. Until 1924, 40% of America’s first settlers could not obtain US citizenship.
2. Many believe that American Indians lagged in development compared to the Europeans. Some American Indian people were superior to Europeans in medical knowledge and agriculture.
3. About 28% of American Indians are very poor.

How to take part

Congratulate American Indians. You can read a book or watch a movie about the indigenous people of America or visit museums with the cultural heritage of the American Indians.

When is American Indian Citizenship Day celebrated in 2024?

American Indian Citizenship Day is observed on June 2 each year.

Observations