The United States was originally settled by Native Americans. Though distant, I have a stake in the heritage of the Native Americans via an Uncle who was fully Blackfoot. As European settlers came into the Americas they pushed to Native Americans to the edge of oblivion. This was nothing new to the Europeans since Europe was constantly at war. But in fairness we also need to remember the Native Americans were nearly always at war with one another as well. Like it or not, humans are war like people. The day was first proclaimed in 1939 by Governor Culbert Olsen in California. In 1968 the new Governor of California, Ronald Reagan set it on the 4th Friday of September.
How to celebrate – Look for the good in all people. Visit the traditions of the Native Americans in, and from, your area. Read about the Native Americans verse the Europeans.