[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 84 (Monday, June 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY ACT OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. TOM COLE

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 2, 2009

  Mr. COLE of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise today not only as a Member 
of Congress representing 11 tribal nations, but also as a proud member 
of the Chickasaw Nation to support the passage of H.J. Res. 40. I would 
like to thank Mr. Baca for his leadership on this bill and for all the 
work he does on behalf of Tribes. This bill recognizes of the 
achievements and contributions of Native Americans to the United States 
and encourages all Americans to observe the day after Thanksgiving as 
Native American Heritage Day. As a Nation with a tragic history in the 
treatment toward Native Americans, it is important that this Congress 
recognize the contribution that native peoples have made to the 
development of our Nation.
  Today, there are 562 federally recognized Indian tribes in 34 States. 
Mr. Speaker, throughout the course of American history, these tribes 
ceded millions of acres of land to the United States, but have never 
ceded sovereignty or agreed to self-liquidation. Today, Indian lands 
are only about 5 percent of all land in the United States. Sadly, Mr. 
Speaker, many tribes remain fractured and broken, due to the 
destructive policies toward Native Americans. However, tribal heritage, 
history and contributions to the United States remain robust and all 
Americans should remember to honor the contributions of this courageous 
group.
  Mr. Speaker, from the birth of the United States, Native Americans 
have contributed to our success as a country. The first European 
settlers could not have survived without the help of the native 
communities. Even during the Revolutionary War, Native Americans fought 
along side the colonists to fight for liberty. During their journey 
west, Lewis and Clark depended on tribes to see them through harsh 
winters and save them from starvation. Mr. Speaker, even while it was 
the policy of the United States to remove or destroy tribal governments 
in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Native Americans still worked 
alongside European settlers to grow our Nation both economically and 
culturally.
  Mr. Speaker, throughout the course of our history, Native Americans 
have fought with, against, and for the United States. In fact, Indians 
have served in all the country's wars and historically enlist in the 
military in great numbers. Though all Native Americans did not even 
have U.S. Citizenship during World War I, they still volunteered their 
service. It is estimated that more than 12,000 American Indians served 
in the United States military in World War I. By using native languages 
to confuse the enemy, these soldiers were able to turn the tide of one 
of the bloodiest wars in history. These ``Codetalkers'' continued this 
heroic effort in World War II. Historically, Native Americans have the 
highest record of service per capita than any other demographic group 
and there are over 190,000 Native American veterans today.
  Today, Mr. Speaker, tribal communities are vibrant and growing. 
Tribal governments are strong, ensuring that their people retain their 
culture, values and way of life. In my state of Oklahoma in particular, 
home to 39 distinct tribes, Indian Country is flourishing. Tribal 
enterprises contribute millions of dollars to the State's economy and 
provide thousands of jobs for Oklahomans. Mr. Speaker, unlike private 
corporations, Native American owed businesses give back to their 
communities by investing in basic infrastructure, healthcare, 
education, law enforcement and a host of other government services. In 
many areas, tribal cultural activities are the only access to the arts 
and humanities that the local population can readily access. The 
changes that have been made my Native businesses in recent years are 
absolutely astounding. Tribal cultures enrich American life, and tribal 
economies provide opportunities where few would otherwise exist.
  As legislators and as Americans, it is vitally important that we 
consider the contributions that Native Americans have made to the 
success of our great country. It is equally imperative that Congress 
remembers that we have engaged with Indian tribes as a government-to-
government relationship with tribes since the first European settlers 
arrived in North America. As we make laws that will affect Indian 
Country, we should do so with the intention of keeping tribal 
governments strong, self-sufficient and encourage the preservation of 
tribal cultures.
  Again, Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to vote in favor of this 
significant legislation.

                          ____________________