In response to an effort by many to gain a day of recognition for the great influence American Indians have had upon the U.S., Congress designated a week of October to celebrate Native American Awareness Week in 1976. Yearly legislation was enacted to continue the tradition until August of 1990, when President Bush approved the designation of November as National American Indian Heritage Month. Each year a similar proclamation is issued. 

Find online exhibits and more from the Smithsonian, the National Archives, the Library of Congress, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Gallery of Art and the National Park Service at the National Native American Heritage Month Website.