[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 121, 110th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

121 STAT. 2805
 
PROCLAMATION 8196--OCT. 31, 2007


Proclamation 8196 of October 31, 2007
National American Indian Heritage Month, 2007
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
National American Indian Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor the
many contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives and to
recognize the strong and living traditions of the first people to call
our land home.
American Indians and Alaska Natives continue to shape our Nation by
preserving the heritage of their ancestors and by contributing to the
rich diversity that is our country's strength. Their dedicated efforts
to honor their proud heritage have helped others gain a deeper
understanding of the vibrant and ancient customs of the Native American
community. We also express our gratitude to the American Indians and
Alaska Natives who serve in our Nation's military and work to extend the
blessings of liberty around the world.
My Administration is committed to supporting the American Indian and
Alaska Native cultures. In June, I signed the ``Native American Home
Ownership Opportunity Act of 2007,''; which reauthorizes the Indian
Housing Loan Guarantee Program, guaranteeing loans for home improvements
and expanding home ownership for Native American families. Working with
tribal governments, we will strive for greater security, healthier
lifestyles, better schools, and new economic opportunities for American
Indians and Alaska Natives.
During National American Indian Heritage Month, we underscore our
commitment to working with tribes on a government-to-government basis
and to supporting tribal sovereignty and self-determination. During this
month, I also encourage Federal agencies to continue their work with
tribal governments to ensure sound cooperation. Efforts such as on-line
training programs will improve interagency collaboration in the Federal
Indian Affairs community and help to strengthen relationships with
tribes, building a brighter future for all our citizens.
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 2007 as National
American Indian Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to commemorate
this month with appropriate programs and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
GEORGE W. BUSH