[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 122, 110th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

122 STAT. 4035

Public Law 110-370
110th Congress

Joint Resolution


 
To honor the achievements and contributions of Native Americans to the
United States, and for other purposes. [NOTE: Oct. 8, 2008 -  [H.J.
Res. 62]]

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, [NOTE: Native
American Heritage Day Act of 2008.]

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Native American Heritage Day Act of
2008''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress finds that--
(1) Native Americans are the descendants of the aboriginal,
indigenous, native people who were the original inhabitants of
the United States;
(2) Native Americans have volunteered to serve in the United
States Armed Forces and have served with valor in all of the
Nation's military actions from the Revolutionary War through the
present day, and in most of those actions, more Native Americans
per capita served in the Armed Forces than any other group of
Americans;
(3) Native Americans have made distinct and significant
contributions to the United States and the rest of the world in
many fields, including agriculture, medicine, music, language,
and art, and Native Americans have distinguished themselves as
inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and scholars;
(4) Native Americans should be recognized for their
contributions to the United States as local and national
leaders, artists, athletes, and scholars;
(5) nationwide recognition of the contributions that Native
Americans have made to the fabric of American society will
afford an opportunity for all Americans to demonstrate their
respect and admiration of Native Americans for their important
contributions to the political, cultural, and economic life of
the United States;
(6) nationwide recognition of the contributions that Native
Americans have made to the Nation will encourage self-esteem,
pride, and self-awareness in Native Americans of all ages;
(7) designation of the Friday following Thanksgiving of each
year as Native American Heritage Day will underscore the
government-to-government relationship between the United States
and Native American governments; and
(8) designation of Native American Heritage Day will
encourage public elementary and secondary schools in the

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122 STAT. 4036

United States to enhance understanding of Native Americans by
providing curricula and classroom instruction focusing on the
achievements and contributions of Native Americans to the
Nation.

SEC. 3. IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY.

Congress--
(1) designates Friday, November 28, 2008, as ``Native
American Heritage Day''; and
(2) encourages the people of the United States, as well as
Federal, State, and local governments, and interested groups and
organizations to observe Native American Heritage Day with
appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities, including
activities relating to--
(A) the historical status of Native American tribal
governments as well as the present day status of Native
Americans;
(B) the cultures, traditions, and languages of
Native Americans; and
(C) the rich Native American cultural legacy that
all Americans enjoy today.

Approved October 8, 2008.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.J. Res. 62:
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SENATE REPORTS: No. 110-435 (Comm. on Indian Affairs).
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD:
Vol. 153 (2007):
Nov. 13, considered and passed
House.
Vol. 154 (2008):
Sept. 22, considered and passed
Senate, amended.
Sept. 26, House concurred in Senate
amendment.