The first American Indian Day was celebrated in May 1916 in New York. The event culminated an effort by Red Fox James, a member of the Blackfeet Nation who rode across the nation on horseback seeking approval from 24 state governments to have a day to honor American Indians. In 1990, more than seven decades later, then-President George H.W. Bush signed a joint congressional resolution designating the month of November “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations have been issued every year since 1994 to recognize what is now called “American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.” This Facts for Features presents statistics for American Indians and Alaska Natives, one of the six major race categories defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget.

The following facts are possible thanks to responses to the U.S. Census Bureau’s surveys. We appreciate the public’s cooperation as we continuously measure America’s people, places and economy.

10.1 million

The projected American Indian and Alaska Native population alone or in combination with other race groups on July 1, 2060. They would constitute 2.5% of the total population.

324

The number of distinct, federally recognized American Indian reservations in 2020, including federal reservations and off-reservation trust land. 

574

The number of federally recognized Indian tribes in 2020.

142,972

The number of single-race American Indian and Alaska Native veterans of the U.S. armed forces in 2019.

See a detailed profile of the American Indian and Alaska Native population alone or in combination with one or more other races from the 2019 American Community Survey. Statistics include:

• Families.
• Housing.
• Languages.
• Education
• Jobs.
• Income and poverty.
• Health insurance.
   

Related News Products

• My Tribal Area Data Tool
• Webinar: Accessing Detailed Statistics on Race, Hispanic Origin, and Ancestry Groups
   

Previous Facts for Features

• FFF: American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month: 2020
• FFF: American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month: 2019
• FFF: American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month: 2018
• FFF: American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month: 2017
   

Stats for Stories

• Native American Heritage Day: 2020
   

Previous Graphics

• Fastest-Growing American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) Populations: 2020
• American Indian and Alaska Native Population Growth: 2019
• American Indian and Alaska Native Populations Growing: 2018

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