It’s America’s most important holiday. Did you even know?

The most significant national holiday in the United States—one that does not grant workers or students a day off—remains largely unknown to the public. Officially established only in 2004, the holiday was quietly inserted into an omnibus spending bill by Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia. It is observed on the third Monday in February and commemorates the contributions and heritage of Native American peoples.

The holiday was created to recognize the historical and cultural impact of Native Americans on the nation’s development. Despite its federal status, it has never been designated as a public holiday, so federal and private employers are not required to provide time off. The date was chosen to coincide with the first national celebration of Native American heritage that had previously been observed on February 1st, but the 2004 act formalized it as a federal observance without granting a paid day.

Although the holiday is officially recognized, most Americans remain unaware of its significance or the exact date it is celebrated. The lack of public awareness and the absence of a mandated day off mean that the holiday often goes unnoticed, even as it honors a foundational and ongoing contribution to the country’s history and culture.