[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8901--NOV. 1, 2012

Proclamation 8901 of November 1, 2012

National Native American Heritage Month, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

As the first people to live on the land we all cherish, American Indians
and Alaska Natives have profoundly shaped our country's character and
our cultural heritage. Today, Native Americans are leaders in every
aspect of our society--from the classroom, to the boardroom, to the
battlefield. This month, we celebrate and honor the many ways American
Indians and Alaska Natives have enriched our Nation, and we renew our
commitment to respecting each tribe's identity while ensuring equal
opportunity to pursue the American dream.
In paying tribute to Native American achievements, we must also
acknowledge the parts of our shared history that have been marred by
violence and tragic mistreatment. For centuries, Native Americans faced
cruelty, injustice, and broken promises. As we work together to forge a
brighter future, we cannot shy away from the difficult aspects of our
past. That is why, in 2009, I signed a bipartisan resolution that
finally recognized the sad and painful chapters in our shared history.
My Administration remains dedicated to writing a new chapter in that
history by strengthening our government-to-government relationship with
tribal nations while enhancing tribal sovereignty and tribal self-
determination.
Because we know that the best ideas for tribal nations come from within,
my Administration has continued to engage tribal leaders in developing
an agenda that respects their expertise on matters affecting American
Indians and Alaska Natives. In collaboration with tribal nations, we are
making critical investments to improve health and education services,
create jobs, and strengthen tribal economies. In July, I was proud to
sign the Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Homeownership
(HEARTH) Act into law, which will enhance tribal control over the
leasing of Indian lands. Last December, I signed an Executive Order to
expand educational opportunities for Native American students. It aims
to preserve Native languages, cultures, and histories while offering a
competitive education that prepares young people to succeed in college
and careers. And under the Tribal Law and Order Act and the Safe Indian
Communities initiative, we are continuing to work with tribes to build
safer communities. My Administration also supports the United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Many longstanding Native American legal claims against the United States
have been resolved, which will help accelerate the restoration of trust
in our relationships with tribal nations. The settlements that came out
of these claims--including the historic Cobell and Keepseagle
settlements, as well as more than 50 settlements in cases alleging
Federal mismanagement of tribal trust funds and resources--will put an
end to decades of litigation and help drive economic development in
tribal communities in the years to come.
In partnership with tribal nations, my Administration has addressed
injustices and built new avenues of opportunity for American Indians and
Alaska Natives. As we celebrate National Native American Herit-


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age Month,
let us move forward in the spirit of mutual understanding and mutual
trust, confident that our challenges can be met and that our shared
future is bright.
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 2012 as
National Native American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to
commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities, and to
celebrate November 23, 2012, as Native American Heritage Day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.
BARACK OBAMA