[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7840 of November 4, 2004


 
National American Indian Heritage Month, 2004


By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
As the first people to call our country home, American Indians and
Alaska Natives have a noble history in this land and have long shaped
our Nation. During National American Indian Heritage Month, we celebrate
our commitment to respect and preserve the rich Native American
traditions and cultures.
The enduring experiences of tribal communities are a cherished part of
our national story. In September, I was proud to meet with tribal
leaders and celebrate the opening of the Smithsonian Institution's
National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall in
Washington, D.C. This new facility stands as a powerful symbol of the
pride and vitality of our Native Peoples. The museum showcases
masterworks of great cultural, historical, and spiritual significance.
Through exhibits documenting past and present achievements and hopes for
the future, it will introduce generations of visitors to the strong and
living traditions of Native Americans. As a center for scholarship and
learning, the National Museum of the American Indian will also advance
understanding of the diversity that makes our Nation great.
My Administration is committed to helping Native Americans as they build
on their proud legacy. With the funding of my 2005 budget, we will have
provided the Bureau of Indian Affairs with more than $1.1 billion for
school construction and repairs during the past 4 years. To improve
education for American Indian and Alaska Native children, I signed an
executive order establishing an Interagency Working Group to help
students meet the standards set by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001
in a manner that is consistent with tribal traditions, languages, and
cultures. By setting standards for academic achievement and cultural
learning, Americans in all communities can help their children realize a
brighter future. I also signed an executive memorandum to all Federal
agencies affirming the Federal Government's continuing commitment to
recognize tribal sovereignty and self-determination. As they have in the
past, tribal governments will maintain

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jurisdiction over their lands, systems of self-governance, and
government-to-government relationships with the United States.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2004 as National
American Indian Heritage Month. I encourage all Americans to commemorate
this month with appropriate programs and activities and to learn more
about the rich heritage of American Indians and Alaska Natives.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH

PROCLAMATION 7841--NOV. 4, 2004