[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

123 STAT. 3732
 
PROCLAMATION 8449--OCT. 30, 2009

Proclamation 8449 of October 30, 2009
National Native American Heritage Month, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

The indigenous peoples of North America-the First Americans-have woven
rich and diverse threads into the tapestry of our Nation's heritage.
Throughout their long history on this great land, they have faced
moments of profound triumph and tragedy alike. During National Native
American Heritage Month, we recognize their many accomplishments,
contributions, and sacrifices, and we pay tribute to their participation
in all aspects of American society.
This month, we celebrate the ancestry and time-honored traditions of
American Indians and Alaska Natives in North America. They have guided
our land stewardship policies, added immeasurably to our cultural
heritage, and demonstrated courage in the face of adversity. From the
American Revolution to combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, they
have fought valiantly in defense of our Nation as dedicated servicemen
and women. Their native languages have also played a pivotal role on the
battlefield. During World Wars I and II, Native American code talkers
developed unbreakable codes to communicate military messages that saved
countless lives. Native Americans have distinguished themselves as
inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and scholars. Our debt to
our First Americans is immense, as is our responsibility to ensure their
fair, equal treatment and honor the commitments we made to their
forebears.

The Native American community today faces huge challenges that have been
ignored by our Government for too long. To help address this disparity,
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allocates more than $3
billion to help these communities deal with their most pressing needs.
In the Fiscal Year 2010 budget, my Administration has proposed over $17
billion for programs carried out by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian
Health Service, and other Federal agencies that have a critical role to
play in improving the lives of Native Americans. These programs will
increase educational opportunities, address the scourge of alcohol abuse
and domestic violence, promote economic development, and provide access
to comprehensive, accessible, and affordable health care. While funding
increases do not make up for past deficiencies, they do reflect our
determination to honor tribal sovereignty and ensure continued progress
on reservations across America.
As we seek to build on and strengthen our nation-to-nation relationship,
my Administration is committed to ensuring tribal communities have a
meaningful voice in our national policy debates as we confront the
challenges facing all Americans. We will continue this constructive
dialogue at the White House Tribal Nations Conference held in
Washington, D.C., this month. Native American voices have echoed through
the mountains, valleys, and plains of our country for thousands of
years, and it is now our time to listen.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con-

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123 STAT. 3733

stitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November
2009 as National Native American Heritage Month. I call upon all
Americans to commemorate this month with appropriate programs and
activities, and to celebrate November 27, 2009, as Native American
Heritage Day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fourth.
BARACK OBAMA