    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 9207--OCT. 31, 2014

    Proclamation 9207 of October 31, 2014

    National Native American Heritage Month, 2014

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    Every year, our Nation pauses to reflect on the profound ways the First
    Americans have shaped our country's character and culture. The first
    stewards of our environment, early voices for the values that define our
    Nation, and models of government to our Founding Fathers--American
    Indians and Alaska Natives helped build the very fabric of America.
    Today, their spirit and many contributions continue to enrich our
    communities and strengthen our country. During National Native American
    Heritage Month, we honor their legacy, and we recommit to strengthening
    our nation-to-nation partnerships.
    As we celebrate the rich traditions of the original peoples of what is
    now the United States, we cannot forget the long and unfortunate
    chapters of violence, discrimination, and deprivation they had to
    endure. For far too long, the heritage we honor today was disrespected
    and devalued, and Native Americans were told their land, religion, and
    language were not theirs to keep. We cannot ignore these events or erase
    their consequences for Native peoples--but as we work together to forge
    a brighter future, the lessons of our past can help reaffirm the
    principles that guide our Nation today.
    In a spirit of true partnership and mutual trust, my Administration is
    committed to respecting the sovereignty of tribal nations and upholding
    our treaty obligations, which honor our nation-to-nation relationship of
    peace and friendship over the centuries. We have worked to fairly settle
    longstanding legal disputes and provide justice to those who experienced
    discrimination. We have taken unprecedented steps to strengthen tribal
    courts, especially when it comes to criminal sentencing and prosecuting
    individuals who commit violence against Native American women. And next
    month, my Administration will host our sixth annual White House Tribal
    Nations Conference, part of our ongoing effort to promote meaningful
    collaboration with tribal leaders as we fight to give all our children
    the tomorrow they deserve.
    Today, as community and tribal leaders, members of our Armed Forces, and
    drivers of progress and economic growth, American Indians and Alaska
    Natives are working to carry forward their proud his

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    tory, and my Administration is dedicated to expanding pathways to
    success for Native Americans. To increase opportunity in Indian Country,
    we are investing in roads and high-speed Internet and supporting job
    training and tribal colleges and universities. The Affordable Care Act
    provides access to quality, affordable health insurance, and it
    permanently reauthorized the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, which
    provides care to many Native Americans. And because the health of tribal
    nations depends on the health of tribal lands, my Administration is
    partnering with Native American leaders to protect these lands in a
    changing climate.
    Every American, including every Native American, deserves the chance to
    work hard and get ahead. This month, we recognize the limitless
    potential of our tribal nations, and we continue our work to build a
    world where all people are valued and no child ever has to wonder if he
    or she has a place in our society.
    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 2014 as
    National Native American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to
    commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities, and to
    celebrate November 28, 2014, as Native American Heritage Day.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of
    October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    ninth.
    BARACK OBAMA