NATIVE AMERICAN
HERITAGE DAY
PRESIDENT SIGNS BACA BILL CREATING NATIVE AMERICAN
HERITAGE DAY 2008
Friday After Thanksgiving Will Now Be
Designated as Day of Tribute
Washington, DC – Earlier this week President Bush
signed into law legislation introduced by Congressman Joe Baca
(D-Rialto), to designate the Friday after Thanksgiving as Native
American Heritage Day. The Native American Heritage Day Bill, H.J. Res.
62, is supported by the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) and
184 federally recognized tribes, and designates Friday, November 28,
2008, as a day to pay tribute to Native Americans for their many
contributions to the United States.
"I am pleased the President took quick action on
signing this legislation, which recognizes the importance of Native
Americans to our history and culture," said Rep. Baca. "It is critical
we honor the contributions of Native Americans and ensure all Americans
are properly educated on their heritage and many achievements."
The Native American Heritage Day Bill encourages
Americans of all backgrounds to observe Friday, November 28, as Native
American Heritage Day, through appropriate ceremonies and activities. It
also encourages public elementary and secondary schools to enhance
student understanding of Native Americans by providing classroom
instruction focusing on their history, achievements, and contributions.
As a state Assemblyman, Rep. Baca introduced the legislation that
established the fourth Friday of September as Native American Day in
California – which became state law in 1998.
H.J. Res. 62 was originally passed by the House of
Representatives on November 13, 2007. The bill was passed with technical
adjustments by unanimous consent in the U.S. Senate on September 22,
2008. Then, on September 26, 2008, the House of Representatives
unanimously voted to pass the legislation again, this time including the
adjustments from the Senate. The legislation was signed into public law
by the President on October 8, 2008.
"This law will help to preserve the great history
and legacy of Native Americans," added Rep. Baca. "Native Americans and
their ancestors have played a vital role in the formation of our nation.
They have fought with valor and died in every American war dating back
to the Revolutionary War, and deserve this special acknowledgement."
"Since my time in the California State Legislature, I have fought to ensure Native Americans receive the recognition they deserve," continued Rep. Baca. "After introducing the legislation that established Native American Day in California, I am proud to have introduced and passed the legislation that creates a national day of recognition. I thank my good friend James Ramos, now Chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, for standing with me from the beginning on this long journey to ensure the contributions of Native Americans are recognized and appreciated by all."
President Signs Baca Bill
Creating Native American Heritage Day
This is a wonderful thing that has been declared, a National Day to
recognize the Tribes.
Colleen F. Cawston, MPA, Director - Indian Policy and Support Services
PO Box 45105, Olympia, Wa 98504-5105
cawstcf@dshs.wa.gov
360-902-7816 (office) 360-489-9052 (cell) 360-902-7855 (fax)
From: shayne del cohen [shayne@sprintmail.com] Journal # 1201
10/17/08