[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 216 (Wednesday, November 9, 1994)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 55983-55984]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-27938]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: November 9, 1994]




                        Presidential Documents 



                Proclamation 6756 of November 5, 1994

 

National American Indian Heritage Month, 1994

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                There is a yearning among American people for a sense 
                of community, a sense of belonging, a sense of shared 
                beliefs and common goals. Today, across the country, we 
                are searching for ways to come together in friendship 
                and mutual respect. As we look toward the promise of 
                the 21st century, it is important that we reflect on 
                our shared heritage and on the valuable lessons history 
                teaches.

                At this momentous time, we pay tribute to this 
                country's first peoples--the American Indians. We 
                celebrate the innumerable contributions that 
                generations of American Indians and Alaska Natives have 
                made to our country and to our world. Before there were 
                colonists on these shores, long before our Nation's 
                founders drafted the U.S. Constitution, American 
                Indians had established powerful civilizations and rich 
                and thriving cultures. Government, art, music, 
                spirituality, and a deep and abiding respect for the 
                natural environment--all of these are enduring 
                traditions of the American Indians.

                Native peoples were the first environmentalists, 
                understanding that air, water, plants, and animals must 
                be treated with respect if they are to remain available 
                for generations to come. American Indians taught the 
                first European settlers how to survive in new 
                surroundings and helped them to explore uncharted 
                wilderness. Native peoples have represented this 
                country in every war, from the American Revolution to 
                the Persian Gulf, and are proud members of every branch 
                of the U.S. Armed Forces. Artists such as R. C. Gorman 
                and Fritz Scholder and writers such as Louise Erdrich 
                and N. Scott Momaday have made remarkable contributions 
                to art and literature.

                The relationship between the U.S. Government and the 
                American Indians has not been without controversy. As 
                we look back on our history, we must acknowledge often 
                profound mistakes. But we also must look to and plan 
                for a future of cooperation and respect. With the 
                recent passage of the Indian self-governance and self-
                determination amendments of 1994, we celebrate the 
                government-to-government relationship that exists 
                between the Indian tribes and the United States. This 
                legislation reaffirms and strengthens the political 
                ties between all of the nations of this land.

                To acknowledge the varied and inestimable contributions 
                of the native peoples and to celebrate this proud 
                legacy, the Congress, by House Joint Resolution 271, 
                has designated November 1994 as ``National American 
                Indian Heritage Month'' and has authorized and 
                requested the President to issue a proclamation in 
                observance of this month.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 
                1994 as National American Indian Heritage Month. I urge 
                all Americans, as well as their elected representatives 
                at the Federal, State, and local levels, to observe 
                this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and 
                activities.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                fifth day of November, in the year of our Lord nineteen 
                hundred and ninety-four, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and 
                nineteenth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)>

[FR Doc. 94-27938
Filed 11-8-94; 9:36 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P