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