[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9362 of October 30, 2015

National Native American Heritage Month, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

American Indians and Alaska Natives enrich every aspect of our country.
As the first to live on this land, Native Americans and their traditions
and values inspired--and continue to inspire--the ideals of self-
governance and determination that are the framework of our Nation. This
month, we recognize the contributions made by Native Americans since
long before our founding, and we resolve to continue the work of
strengthening government-to-government ties with tribal nations and
expanding possibility for all.
Native Americans have helped make America what it is today. As we
reflect on our history, we must acknowledge the unfortunate chapters of
violence, discrimination, and deprivation that went on for far too long,
as well as the effects of injustices that continue to be felt. While we
cannot undo the pain and tragedy of the past, we can set out together to
forge a brighter future of progress and hope across Indian Country and
the entire American landscape.
Since I took office, I have worked with tribal leaders to write a new
chapter in our nation-to-nation relationship. Ensuring young people have
every opportunity to succeed is a critical aspect of our work together,
and this year my Administration hosted the inaugural White House Tribal
Youth Gathering following the launch of Generation Indigenous--an
initiative aimed at improving the lives of Native youth and empowering
the next generation of Native leaders. We will also host the seventh
White House Tribal Nations Conference later this year, bringing together
leaders of 567 tribes to explore opportunities for progress, with a
particular focus on young people. As part of our agenda for providing
Native youth the chance to realize their fullest potential, I have
engaged tribal communities in a range of critical areas, and we have
worked together to boost high school graduation rates and afford young
people more chances to pursue higher education, employment, and
professional development opportunities. We're also working to expand
access to health and counseling services essential to ensuring youth
feel safe and heard.
My Administration has continued to partner with tribes to address vital
gaps in resources for Indian Country, including equipping communities
with broadband, rebuilding infrastructure, spurring economic growth, and
increasing renewable energy. To confront the peril of a changing
climate, we are also working with tribal leaders across America to
develop effective approaches to protecting our communities from this
grave threat. And because we know that fostering pride in the lan

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guages, traditions, and practices that make up the extraordinary
richness of Native American culture is central to our shared progress,
my Administration remains committed to ensuring every community feels
connected to the extraordinary legacies they are a part of.
This month, let us reaffirm our responsibility to ensure each generation
is defined by a greater sense of opportunity than the last, and let us
pledge to maintain our strong relationship with tribal nations across
America. By keeping this commitment, and by endeavoring to shape a
future in which every citizen has the chance to build a life worthy of
their hopes and dreams, we can ensure that ours is a country that is
true to our spirit and to our enduring promise as a land where all
things are possible for all people.
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 2015 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, 2015, 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 fifteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA