[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.J. Res. 62 Engrossed Amendment Senate (EAS)]

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

                  In the Senate of the United States,

                    September 22 (legislative day, September 17), 2008.
    Resolved, That the resolution from the House of Representatives 
(H.J. Res. 62) entitled ``Joint resolution to honor the achievements 
and contributions of Native Americans to the United States, and for 
other purposes.'', do pass with the following

                               AMENDMENT:

            Strike out all after the resolving clause and insert:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Native American Heritage Day Act of 
2008''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds that--
            (1) Native Americans are the descendants of the aboriginal, 
        indigenous, native people who were the original inhabitants of 
        the United States;
            (2) Native Americans have volunteered to serve in the 
        United States Armed Forces and have served with valor in all of 
        the Nation's military actions from the Revolutionary War 
        through the present day, and in most of those actions, more 
        Native Americans per capita served in the Armed Forces than any 
        other group of Americans;
            (3) Native Americans have made distinct and significant 
        contributions to the United States and the rest of the world in 
        many fields, including agriculture, medicine, music, language, 
        and art, and Native Americans have distinguished themselves as 
        inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and scholars;
            (4) Native Americans should be recognized for their 
        contributions to the United States as local and national 
        leaders, artists, athletes, and scholars;
            (5) nationwide recognition of the contributions that Native 
        Americans have made to the fabric of American society will 
        afford an opportunity for all Americans to demonstrate their 
        respect and admiration of Native Americans for their important 
        contributions to the political, cultural, and economic life of 
        the United States;
            (6) nationwide recognition of the contributions that Native 
        Americans have made to the Nation will encourage self-esteem, 
        pride, and self-awareness in Native Americans of all ages;
            (7) designation of the Friday following Thanksgiving of 
        each year as Native American Heritage Day will underscore the 
        government-to-government relationship between the United States 
        and Native American governments; and
            (8) designation of Native American Heritage Day will 
        encourage public elementary and secondary schools in the United 
        States to enhance understanding of Native Americans by 
        providing curricula and classroom instruction focusing on the 
        achievements and contributions of Native Americans to the 
        Nation.

SEC. 3. IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY.

    Congress--
            (1) designates Friday, November 28, 2008, as ``Native 
        American Heritage Day''; and
            (2) encourages the people of the United States, as well as 
        Federal, State, and local governments, and interested groups 
        and organizations to observe Native American Heritage Day with 
        appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities, including 
        activities relating to--
                    (A) the historical status of Native American tribal 
                governments as well as the present day status of Native 
                Americans;
                    (B) the cultures, traditions, and languages of 
                Native Americans; and
                    (C) the rich Native American cultural legacy that 
                all Americans enjoy today.

            Attest:

                                                             Secretary.
110th CONGRESS

  2d Session

                             H. J. RES. 62

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                               AMENDMENT