The first American Indian Day was celebrated in May 1916 in New York. Red Fox James, a Blackfeet Indian, rode horseback from state to state, getting endorsements from 24 state governments, to have a day to honor American Indians. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed a joint congressional resolution designating November 1990 as “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations have been issued every year since 1994. 

The U.S. Census Bureau released key statistics in honor of American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, which began November 1, 2015. American Indian and Alaskan Native is one of the six major race categories classified by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget.

5.4 million

The nation’s population of American Indians and Alaska Natives, including those of more than one race. They made up about 2 percent of the total population in 2014. Of this total, about 48 percent were American Indian and Alaska Native only, and about 52 percent were American Indian and Alaska Native in combination with one or more other races.

10.2 million

The projected population of American Indians and Alaska Natives, alone or in combination, on July 1, 2060. They would constitute 2.4 percent of the total population.

1,788,853

The number of American Indian and Alaska Native households in 2014 (households with a householder who was American Indian and Alaska Native alone or in combination with another race). Of these, 37.8 percent were married-couple families, including those with children.

82.4%

The percentage of American Indians and Alaska Natives alone or in combination, 25 and older, who had at least a high school diploma, GED certificate or alternative credential in 2014. In addition, 18.5 percent obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher. In comparison, 86.9 percent of the overall population, 25 and older, had a high school diploma or higher, and 30.1 percent had a bachelor’s degree or higher.

274,238

The number of American Indian and Alaska Native owned firms in 2012.

For more key statistics on the American Indian and Alaskan Native population, please visit the latest issue of the U.S. Census Bureau's Facts for Features.