[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 12]
[House]
[Page 17548]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

  (Mr. BACA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the contributions of 
America's first people in recognition of Native American Heritage 
Month. Throughout history, Native Americans have made countless 
advances for our Nation and our society and our culture.
  The constitutional separation of powers we have in our government is 
based on the structure of the Iroquois nation. Jim Thorpe brought home 
two Olympic gold medals in 1912. Navajo code-talkers helped us win the 
Pacific campaign in World War II. Ira Hayes became a national hero, 
raising the flag at Iwo Jima. Jim Plunkett is one of only four men to 
win both the Heisman Trophy and the Super Bowl MVP award.
  As a Member of Congress, I've introduced a bill to establish Native 
American Day in California. And in 2009 I introduced legislation signed 
by President Obama designating the Friday after Thanksgiving as Native 
American Heritage Day.
  We must never take for granted the rich history and culture of our 
first Americans. This November, I encourage everyone to honor the 
contributions of our tribal communities and recognize Native American 
Heritage Month.

                          ____________________