[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 213 (Thursday, November 4, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 67907-67908]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-28088]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 75 , No. 213 / Thursday, November 4, 2010 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 67907]]


                Proclamation 8595 of October 29, 2010

                
National Native American Heritage Month, 2010

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                For millennia before Europeans settled in North 
                America, the indigenous peoples of this continent 
                flourished with vibrant cultures and were the original 
                stewards of the land. From generation to generation, 
                they handed down invaluable cultural knowledge and rich 
                traditions, which continue to thrive in Native American 
                communities across our country today. During National 
                Native American Heritage Month, we honor and celebrate 
                their importance to our great Nation and our world.

                America's journey has been marked both by bright times 
                of progress and dark moments of injustice for American 
                Indians and Alaska Natives. Since the birth of America, 
                they have contributed immeasurably to our country and 
                our heritage, distinguishing themselves as scholars, 
                artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders in all aspects of 
                our society. Native Americans have also served in the 
                United States Armed Forces with honor and distinction, 
                defending the security of our Nation with their lives. 
                Yet, our tribal communities face stark realities, 
                including disproportionately high rates of poverty, 
                unemployment, crime, and disease. These disparities are 
                unacceptable, and we must acknowledge both our history 
                and our current challenges if we are to ensure that all 
                of our children have an equal opportunity to pursue the 
                American dream. From upholding the tribal sovereignty 
                recognized and reaffirmed in our Constitution and laws 
                to strengthening our unique nation-to-nation 
                relationship, my Administration stands firm in 
                fulfilling our Nation's commitments.

                Over the past 2 years, we have made important steps 
                towards working as partners with Native Americans to 
                build sustainable and healthy native communities. The 
                American Recovery and Reinvestment Act continues to 
                impact the lives of American Indians and Alaska 
                Natives, including through important projects to 
                improve, rebuild, and renovate schools so our children 
                can get the education and skills they will need to 
                compete in the global economy. At last year's White 
                House Tribal Nations Conference, I also announced a new 
                consultation process to improve communication and 
                coordination between the Federal Government and tribal 
                governments.

                This year, I was proud to sign the landmark Affordable 
                Care Act, which permanently reauthorized the Indian 
                Health Care Improvement Act, a cornerstone of health 
                care for American Indians and Alaska Natives. This 
                vital legislation will help modernize the Indian health 
                care system and improve health care for 1.9 million 
                American Indians and Alaska Natives. To combat the high 
                rates of crime and sexual violence in Native 
                communities, I signed the Tribal Law and Order Act in 
                July to bolster tribal law enforcement and enhance 
                their abilities to prosecute and fight crime more 
                effectively. And, recently, my Administration reached a 
                settlement in a lawsuit brought by Native American 
                farmers against the United States Department of 
                Agriculture that underscores our commitment to treat 
                all our citizens fairly.

                As we celebrate the contributions and heritage of 
                Native Americans during this month, we also recommit to 
                supporting tribal self-determination, security, and 
                prosperity for all Native Americans. While we cannot 
                erase the

[[Page 67908]]

                scourges or broken promises of our past, we will move 
                ahead together in writing a new, brighter chapter in 
                our joint history.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim November 2010 as 
                National Native American Heritage Month. I call upon 
                all Americans to commemorate this month with 
                appropriate programs and activities, and to celebrate 
                November 26, 2010, as Native American Heritage Day.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord 
                two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth. 
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2010-28088
Filed 11-3-10; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P