THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release October 30, 2009
NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2009
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
The indigenous peoples of North America -- the First Americans -- have
woven rich and diverse threads into the tapestry of our Nation's
heritage. Throughout their long history on this great land, they have
faced moments of profound triumph and tragedy alike. During National
Native American Heritage Month, we recognize their many accomplishments,
contributions, and sacrifices, and we pay tribute to their participation
in all aspects of American society.
This month, we celebrate the ancestry and time-honored traditions of
American Indians and Alaska Natives in North America. They have guided
our land stewardship policies, added immeasurably to our cultural
heritage, and demonstrated courage in the face of adversity. From the
American Revolution to combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, they
have fought valiantly in defense of our Nation as dedicated servicemen
and women. Their native languages have also played a pivotal role on the
battlefield. During World Wars I and II, Native American code talkers
developed unbreakable codes to communicate military messages that saved
countless lives. Native Americans have distinguished themselves as
inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and scholars. Our debt to
our First Americans is immense, as is our responsibility to ensure their
fair, equal treatment and honor the commitments we made to their
forebears.
The Native American community today faces huge challenges that have been
ignored by our Government for too long. To help address this disparity,
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allocates more than $3
billion to help these communities deal with their most pressing needs.
In the Fiscal Year 2010 budget, my Administration has proposed over $17
billion for programs carried out by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian
Health Service, and other Federal agencies that have a critical role to
play in improving the lives of Native Americans. These programs will
increase educational opportunities, address the scourge of alcohol abuse
and domestic violence, promote economic development, and provide access
to comprehensive, accessible, and affordable health care. While funding
increases do not make up for past deficiencies, they do reflect our
determination to honor tribal sovereignty and ensure continued progress
on reservations across America.
As we seek to build on and strengthen our nation-to-nation relationship,
my Administration is committed to ensuring tribal communities have a
meaningful voice in our national policy debates as we confront the
challenges facing all Americans. We will continue this constructive
dialogue at the White House Tribal Nations Conference held in
Washington, D.C., this month. Native American voices have echoed through
the mountains, valleys, and plains of our country for thousands of
years, and it is now our time to listen.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2009 as
National Native American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to
commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities, and to
celebrate November 27, 2009, as Native American Heritage Day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA
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