Became the first state to officially recognize American Indian Day, choosing the second Saturday in May.
In 1914, James rode 4,000 miles on horseback across the U.S. to gather endorsements from 24 state governors. He presented these signatures to the White House to petition for a national holiday. Early State Observances american indian day
An archaeologist and director of the Rochester Museum, Parker was a primary advocate for a national day of honor. In 1912, he persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to adopt a "First Americans" day. Became the first state to officially recognize American
Enacted legislation to celebrate the day on the fourth Friday in September. He presented these signatures to the White House
Governor Ronald Reagan signed a resolution designating the fourth Friday in September as American Indian Day, which later became an official state holiday in 1998. Transition to National Recognition