South Dakota Celebrates Native American Day
It’s Columbus Day in the United States, but it’s Native American Day in South Dakota.
The state Legislature in 1989 approved the change proposed by then-Gov. George Mickelson. South Dakota is the only state that celebrates Native American Day on Columbus Day.
Dani Daugherty grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. She tells the American News that Native American Day is a time to recognize the resiliency and the contributions of native peoples.
But others have mixed feelings. Standing Rock Sioux member Gordon Tree Trop says he remembers being teased by classmates when he was growing up because he had his “own day.”
Meanwhile, the Crazy Horse Memorial plans to celebrate Native American Day on Monday with a weather permitting mountain blast and a free buffalo stew luncheon.
Other activities and programs include Native American singers, dancers, artists and storytellers, the South Dakota Symphony’s Lakota Music Project and an educational program.
The memorial is a mountain carving in progress that will honor Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse. Work on the sculpture began in 1948.
South Dakota is the only U.S. state that celebrates Native American Day. Others observe the day as Columbus Day.
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