[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9537 of October 31, 2016

National Native American Heritage Month, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

As the First Americans, Native Americans have helped shape the future of
the United States through every turn of our history. Today, young
American Indians and Alaska Natives embrace open-ended possibility and
are determining their own destinies. During National Native American
Heritage Month, we pledge to maintain the meaningful partnerships we
have with tribal nations, and we renew our commitment to our nation-to-
nation relationships as we seek to give all our children the future they
deserve.
Over our long shared history, there have been too many unfortunate
chapters of pain and tragedy, discrimination and injustice. We must
acknowledge that history while recognizing that the future is still ours
to write. That is why my Administration remains dedicated to
strengthening our government-to-government relationships with tribal
nations and working to improve the lives of all our people. Three years
ago, I issued an Executive Order establishing the White House Council on
Native American Affairs to help ensure the Federal Government engages in
true and lasting relationships with tribes and promotes the development
of prosperous and resilient tribal communities. Last month, I hosted the
eighth Tribal Nations Conference and brought tribal leaders together to
identify key issues we still face. We have worked to better protect
sacred lands and restored many acres of tribal homelands, as well as
supported greater representation of indigenous peoples before the United
Nations and called for further implementation of the Declaration of the
Rights of Indigenous Peoples. And we have taken steps to strengthen
tribal sovereignty in criminal justice matters, including through the
Tribal Law and Order Act.
Through the Affordable Care Act and permanent reauthorization of the
Indian Health Care Improvement Act, we empowered more Native Americans
to access the quality health care they need to live full, healthy lives.
Throughout their lives, 84 percent of American Indian and Alaska Native
women and girls will experience some form of violence, and in 2013, I
signed the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which
allows tribes to prosecute non-Native individuals who commit acts of
domestic violence in Indian Country. And through the North American
Working Group on Violence Against Indigenous Women and Girls, we are
strengthening regional coordination on the rights of women and girls
from indigenous communities across the continent.

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In recognition of the immeasurable contributions that Native Americans
have made to our Nation, we continue to advocate for expanding
opportunity across Indian Country. We have supported tribal colleges and
universities and worked to return control of education to tribal
nations--not only to prepare Native youth for the demands of future
employment, but also to promote their own tribal languages and cultures.
We are investing in job training and clean-energy projects,
infrastructure, and high-speed internet that connects Native American
communities to the broader economy. We are connecting more young people
and fostering a national dialogue to empower the next generation of
Native leaders through the Generation Indigenous initiative. Through
www.NativeOneStop.gov, we have also worked to improve coordination and
access to Federal services throughout Indian Country. Indian Country
still faces many challenges, but we have made significant progress
together since I took office, and we must never give up on our pursuit
of the ever brighter future that lies ahead.
This month, let us celebrate the traditions, languages, and stories of
Native Americans and ensure their rich histories and contributions can
thrive with each passing generation. Let us continue to build on the
advancements we have made, because enduring progress will depend on our
dedication to honoring our trust and treaty responsibilities. With
sustained effort and unwavering optimism, we can ensure a vibrant and
resilient Indian Country filled with possibility and prosperity.
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 2016 as
National Native American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to
commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities, and to
celebrate November 25, 2016, 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 sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
first.
BARACK OBAMA