[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 215 (Tuesday, November 6, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 66527-66528]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-27207]


 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 215 / Tuesday, November 6, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 66527]]


                Proclamation 8901 of November 1, 2012

                
National Native American Heritage Month, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                As the first people to live on the land we all cherish, 
                American Indians and Alaska Natives have profoundly 
                shaped our country's character and our cultural 
                heritage. Today, Native Americans are leaders in every 
                aspect of our society--from the classroom, to the 
                boardroom, to the battlefield. This month, we celebrate 
                and honor the many ways American Indians and Alaska 
                Natives have enriched our Nation, and we renew our 
                commitment to respecting each tribe's identity while 
                ensuring equal opportunity to pursue the American 
                dream.

                In paying tribute to Native American achievements, we 
                must also acknowledge the parts of our shared history 
                that have been marred by violence and tragic 
                mistreatment. For centuries, Native Americans faced 
                cruelty, injustice, and broken promises. As we work 
                together to forge a brighter future, we cannot shy away 
                from the difficult aspects of our past. That is why, in 
                2009, I signed a bipartisan resolution that finally 
                recognized the sad and painful chapters in our shared 
                history. My Administration remains dedicated to writing 
                a new chapter in that history by strengthening our 
                government-to-government relationship with tribal 
                nations while enhancing tribal sovereignty and tribal 
                self-determination.

                Because we know that the best ideas for tribal nations 
                come from within, my Administration has continued to 
                engage tribal leaders in developing an agenda that 
                respects their expertise on matters affecting American 
                Indians and Alaska Natives. In collaboration with 
                tribal nations, we are making critical investments to 
                improve health and education services, create jobs, and 
                strengthen tribal economies. In July, I was proud to 
                sign the Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible 
                Tribal Homeownership (HEARTH) Act into law, which will 
                enhance tribal control over the leasing of Indian 
                lands. Last December, I signed an Executive Order to 
                expand educational opportunities for Native American 
                students. It aims to preserve Native languages, 
                cultures, and histories while offering a competitive 
                education that prepares young people to succeed in 
                college and careers. And under the Tribal Law and Order 
                Act and the Safe Indian Communities initiative, we are 
                continuing to work with tribes to build safer 
                communities. My Administration also supports the United 
                Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous 
                Peoples.

                Many longstanding Native American legal claims against 
                the United States have been resolved, which will help 
                accelerate the restoration of trust in our 
                relationships with tribal nations. The settlements that 
                came out of these claims--including the historic Cobell 
                and Keepseagle settlements, as well as more than 50 
                settlements in cases alleging Federal mismanagement of 
                tribal trust funds and resources--will put an end to 
                decades of litigation and help drive economic 
                development in tribal communities in the years to come.

                In partnership with tribal nations, my Administration 
                has addressed injustices and built new avenues of 
                opportunity for American Indians and Alaska Natives. As 
                we celebrate National Native American Heritage Month, 
                let us move forward in the spirit of mutual 
                understanding and mutual trust,

[[Page 66528]]

                confident that our challenges can be met and that our 
                shared future is bright.

                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 2012 as 
                National Native American Heritage Month. I call upon 
                all Americans to commemorate this month with 
                appropriate programs and activities, and to celebrate 
                November 23, 2012, as Native American Heritage Day.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                first day of November, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2012-27207
Filed 11-5-12; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F3