[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 171 (Thursday, November 19, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN RECOGNITION OF NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

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                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 19, 2015

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, since its designation in 1990, this month 
seeks to honor the influence of Native Americans in shaping American 
history, acknowledging the injustices wrought upon the many tribes, and 
looking forward so we can strive to forge a better future together for 
all.
   As we prepare to celebrate the 394th anniversary of the first 
Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Massachusetts, so too should we pay tribute 
to the significant contributions of the original Americans. As some of 
the earliest inhabitants of this beautiful land, the Native Americans 
paved the way for future settlements by mastering skilled ways of 
farming, discovering natural medicines, and hunting.
   Their contributions to our shared history continued through the 
centuries; they have served in the Armed Forces during times of war and 
peace. Most notably, we celebrate the service of the Navajo Code 
Talkers during World War II, who ensured that our vital communications 
could not be decrypted by the enemy. Native Americans are woven into 
the nation's fabric, having taught us new sports and craft such as 
lacrosse, canoeing, kayaking and snowshoeing, as well as provided our 
shared culture with celebrated athletes, musicians, dancers, 
politicians, and many more.
   Mr. Speaker, Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity for us 
to reflect on the significant accomplishments of our proud Native 
American tribes--including the Wampanoag and Aquinnah tribes in my 
district. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing all Native 
American tribes across the nation for their indomitable spirit and 
remarkable achievements.

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