On June 2, 1924, the Indian Citizenship Act was signed into law, granting U. S. citizenship to “all non-citizen Indians born within the territorial limits of the United States.” The Act notably did not require American Indians to give up their tribal citizenship to become U.S. citizens, allowing individual Indian people to preserve their tribal identity and their right to communal tribal property.

Not only did the Act give American Indians the rights and protections afforded to citizens of the United States, but it also added to the diversity of thought and culture of our nation by unlocking the doors for Indians to become citizens of the United States on their own terms.

The 2024 design shows an eagle staff, an American Indian symbol of respect, honor, and patriotism, together with an American flag to represent the dual citizenship of Native Americans.