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VIENNA — July 4 is a day many Americans celebrate to honor the country’s independence from Great Britain. For many Native Americans, the meaning behind the holiday is more complicated, Longtime Daniel Islander and native Canadian to celebrate her first Independence Day as an American citizen Wed, 07/02/2025 - 10:25am admin By: As we delve deeper into the significance of Independence Day, it is crucial to highlight the contributions of influential Native American leaders who have embodied the principles of freedom, sovereignty, and unity. I recognize that the United States declared its independence on that day, but Native people weren't a part of their envisioned emancipation. As Native people, we recognized our independence In agrarian societies, July marked the peak of wheat and barley harvests, essential for breadmaking and trade. In Native American farming, it was prime time for the “Three Sisters” crops of The document signed more than 200 years ago declaring the United States’ independence from Britain contained within it inherent contradictions. The National Museum of American Indian asks do American Indians celebrate the 4th of July and let their readers tell their stories about the day. By and large Native Americans are patriotic. The American flag and U.S. military veteran honors are prominent in most powwows, fairs and other Native events. But America’s Independence Day brings some ambivalence from Native citizens. In a 1776, John Adams penned in a letter to his wife that Independence Day “ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance.” Its purpose is to memorialize the Declaration of Independence and the forming of a federal union by the first 13 independent states. The Fourth of July celebrates the day in 1776 when colonial American representatives ratified the Declaration of Independence, making official their intention to break away from England and organize a sovereign government. Listen to more stories on the Noa app. On November 7, 1785, a group of Native American families gathered in a farmhouse near present-day Deansboro, New York—about 15 miles southwest of Utica We’ll explore the historical context of Independence Day, recognizing the voices and perspectives of Native Americans, and delve into ways to honor their legacy while celebrating our nation’s independence. In a 1776, John Adams penned in a letter to his wife that Independence Day “ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance.” Its purpose is to memorialize the Declaration of Independence and the forming of a federal union by the first 13 independent states. The history of American Indian people's relationships with the federal government has shaped complex traditions of observing (or not) July 4th. Native American Day Native American Day is a holiday observed in several US states in celebration of Native American culture. In California and Nevada, the holiday is designated on the fourth Friday of September, whereas in South Dakota and Wisconsin, it falls on the second Monday of October. Independence Day celebrations gloss over the “undesirable” aspects of history - including the involvement of celebrated historical figures such as Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, and their branding of Indigenous Peoples. Some Native Americans do not celebrate the Fourth of July because of the negative consequences to indigenous people throughout history, while others simply get together with family and have cookouts, like many non-Native American citizens. The dark shirt has "Merciless Indian Savages" in white type, with "Declaration of Independence" in smaller type below — a play on shirts with inspirational quotes. Native Americans also have used the phrase in social media memes, comedy shows and art to draw attention to Indigenous history in the U.S. On the Fourth of July, some Americans have celebrated their freedom of choice by choosing to not celebrate at all. Last week, we asked Native News Online social media followers how they celebrate the Fourth of July as Native Americans. The responses were diverse, reflecting a wide range of traditions, reflections, and celebrations. From honoring ancestral resilience to participating in community events, Indian Country has a unique perspective on this national holiday.
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