[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 213 (Thursday, November 3, 2016)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 76841-76842]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-26805]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 213 / Thursday, November 3, 2016 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 76841]]


                Proclamation 9537 of October 31, 2016

                
National Native American Heritage Month, 2016

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                As the First Americans, Native Americans have helped 
                shape the future of the United States through every 
                turn of our history. Today, young American Indians and 
                Alaska Natives embrace open-ended possibility and are 
                determining their own destinies. During National Native 
                American Heritage Month, we pledge to maintain the 
                meaningful partnerships we have with tribal nations, 
                and we renew our commitment to our nation-to-nation 
                relationships as we seek to give all our children the 
                future they deserve.

                Over our long shared history, there have been too many 
                unfortunate chapters of pain and tragedy, 
                discrimination and injustice. We must acknowledge that 
                history while recognizing that the future is still ours 
                to write. That is why my Administration remains 
                dedicated to strengthening our government-to-government 
                relationships with tribal nations and working to 
                improve the lives of all our people. Three years ago, I 
                issued an Executive Order establishing the White House 
                Council on Native American Affairs to help ensure the 
                Federal Government engages in true and lasting 
                relationships with tribes and promotes the development 
                of prosperous and resilient tribal communities. Last 
                month, I hosted the eighth Tribal Nations Conference 
                and brought tribal leaders together to identify key 
                issues we still face. We have worked to better protect 
                sacred lands and restored many acres of tribal 
                homelands, as well as supported greater representation 
                of indigenous peoples before the United Nations and 
                called for further implementation of the Declaration of 
                the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. And we have taken 
                steps to strengthen tribal sovereignty in criminal 
                justice matters, including through the Tribal Law and 
                Order Act.

                Through the Affordable Care Act and permanent 
                reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement 
                Act, we empowered more Native Americans to access the 
                quality health care they need to live full, healthy 
                lives. Throughout their lives, 84 percent of American 
                Indian and Alaska Native women and girls will 
                experience some form of violence, and in 2013, I signed 
                the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, 
                which allows tribes to prosecute non-Native individuals 
                who commit acts of domestic violence in Indian Country. 
                And through the North American Working Group on 
                Violence Against Indigenous Women and Girls, we are 
                strengthening regional coordination on the rights of 
                women and girls from indigenous communities across the 
                continent.

                In recognition of the immeasurable contributions that 
                Native Americans have made to our Nation, we continue 
                to advocate for expanding opportunity across Indian 
                Country. We have supported tribal colleges and 
                universities and worked to return control of education 
                to tribal nations--not only to prepare Native youth for 
                the demands of future employment, but also to promote 
                their own tribal languages and cultures. We are 
                investing in job training and clean-energy projects, 
                infrastructure, and high-speed internet that connects 
                Native American communities to the broader economy. We 
                are connecting more young people and fostering a 
                national dialogue to empower the next generation of 
                Native leaders through the Generation Indigenous 
                initiative. Through www.NativeOneStop.gov, we have also 
                worked to

[[Page 76842]]

                improve coordination and access to Federal services 
                throughout Indian Country. Indian Country still faces 
                many challenges, but we have made significant progress 
                together since I took office, and we must never give up 
                on our pursuit of the ever brighter future that lies 
                ahead.

                This month, let us celebrate the traditions, languages, 
                and stories of Native Americans and ensure their rich 
                histories and contributions can thrive with each 
                passing generation. Let us continue to build on the 
                advancements we have made, because enduring progress 
                will depend on our dedication to honoring our trust and 
                treaty responsibilities. With sustained effort and 
                unwavering optimism, we can ensure a vibrant and 
                resilient Indian Country filled with possibility and 
                prosperity.

                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 2016 as 
                National Native American Heritage Month. I call upon 
                all Americans to commemorate this month with 
                appropriate programs and activities, and to celebrate 
                November 25, 2016, as Native American Heritage Day.

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

[FR Doc. 2016-26805
Filed 11-2-16; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F7-P