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Special Emphasis Observances

The IHS Special Emphasis Program is required to observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month and Women's History Month. In addition, IHS may observe other special emphasis programs to improve the workplace environment by promoting diversity. The following are Special Emphasis Observances implemented by Presidential Proclamation, Executive Orders and Public Laws as cited below:

January
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, Authority: Public Law 98-399, 98 Stat. 1473

February
African American History Month, Authority: Public Law 99-244, 100 Stat. 6

March
Women's History Month, Authority: Public Law 103-22, 107 Stat. 58

April
No Observances

May
Jewish American Heritage Month, Authority: Presidential Proclamation
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Authority: Public Law 101-283, 104 Stat. 168

June
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month, Authority: Executive Order 11478, as amended by Executive Order 13087

July
No Observances

August
26th: Women's Equality Day, Authority: Presidential Proclamation

September
September 15 thru October 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month, Authority: Public Law 90-498, 82 Stat. 848, as amended by Public Law 100-402, 102 Stat. 1012

October
National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Authority: Presidential Proclamation

November
National Native American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month, Authority: Public Law 101-343, 104 Stat. 392

  • On November 29, 2022, IHS hosted a traditional storytelling event to celebrate Native American Heritage Month, featuring Andy Joseph, Jr., Vice Chair of the Colville Business Council and Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, and Colleen Cawston, Chief Executive Officer of the Colville Service Unit. Watch the event here Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov .

December
No Observances

Indian Heritage Month Posters 2007

Indian Heritage Month Poster (2007)


Joanne Shenandoah - Iroquois - Member of the Wolf Clan of the Oneida Nation - American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Program
William "Billy" Mills (Makata Taka Hela) - Oglala Lakota Sioux (Gold Medalist 1964 Tokyo Olympics) Native American Heritage Month