South Dakota was the first state to officially celebrate Native Americans’ Day each year on the second Monday in October. (Click here to see the 1990 state statute.) Elsewhere, the day is observed as Columbus Day.
The South Dakota Legislature established the Native Americans’ Day holiday at the urging of Gov. George S. Mickelson. He declared 1990 as a “Year of Reconciliation” and called for the first Native Americans’ Day observance to be held at Crazy Horse Memorial, where the likeness of the Lakota leader is being carved to honor the Native Americans.
At the first holiday gathering, Gov. Mickelson told more than 1,200 people, “We can’t turn back the clock. We can only turn to the future together. What we can do as leaders, both Native American and white, is teach others that we can change attitudes.”
The Native Americans’ Day celebration at Crazy Horse each year includes naming the Crazy Horse Memorial Educator of the Year, honoring an individual who has made significant contributions to Native American education at the primary or secondary school level. The award includes a $1,000 grant to the recipient’s school library or to programs of his or her choice that help students. The holiday’s program also includes a free public program featuring Native American singers and dancers. Programs and displays featuring artists, storytellers and hands-on activities for children are offered in the visitor complex. A blast on the mountain carving is detonated, weather permitting, and a free buffalo stew lunch is available for all visitors.