At the first holiday gathering, held at Crazy Horse Memorial®, Gov. Mickelson told more than 1,200 people, "We can’t turn back the clock. We can only turn to the future together. What we can do as leaders, both Native American and white, is teach others that we can change attitudes."

The Native Americans' Day celebration at Crazy Horse also includes naming the Crazy Horse Memorial Educator of the Year, which honors an individual who has made significant contributions to Native American education. The award includes a $1,000 grant to the recipient’s school library or to programs of his or her choice that help students. The holiday's program also includes a public program featuring Native American singers and dancers.  A free buffalo stew lunch is available to all visitors courtesy of Korczak’s Heritage, Inc., Laughing Water Restaurant®, and Custer State Park.