[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