[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 45 (Monday, November 11, 2002)]
[Pages 1933-1934]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7620--National American Indian Heritage Month, 2002

November 1, 2002

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    During American Indian Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich 
cultural traditions and proud ancestry of American Indians and Alaska 
Natives, and we recognize the vital contributions these groups have made 
to the strength and diversity of our society.

[[Page 1934]]

    American Indians and Alaska Natives have played a central role in 
our history. In 1805 and 1806, Sakajawea, a Shoshone Indian woman, 
helped guide Lewis and Clark on their historic expedition to explore the 
uncharted West. This remarkable journey, known as the ``Voyage of 
Discovery,'' would not have been possible without her efforts, and today 
she remains a proud symbol of American Indian courage and strength.
    We are also grateful to the Navajo Codetalkers for their service 
during World War II. Participating in every assault the U.S. Marines 
conducted in the Pacific from 1942-1945, the Navajo Codetalkers relayed 
secret messages that helped our Nation and the allies secure victory. 
The Congress recognized these heroes by authorizing the President to 
award them Congressional Gold Medals, which I was honored to present 
last year. These examples of our true American spirit reflect our shared 
history and serve as reminders of the unique heritage of American 
Indians and Alaska Natives. Upon its completion on the National Mall, 
the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian 
will help educate all Americans about the lives, contributions, and 
culture of our Native peoples.
    Education is essential to the future success of tribal communities. 
We will work together to ensure that our Indian education programs offer 
high-quality instruction and job training that contribute to the 
vitality of our Native American communities. We will also work to 
maintain the legacy of American Indians and Alaska Natives by preserving 
irreplaceable languages and cultural traditions.
    To enhance our efforts to help Indian nations be self-governing, 
self-supporting, and self-reliant, my Administration will continue to 
honor tribal sovereignty by working on a government-to-government basis 
with American Indians and Alaska Natives. We will honor the rights of 
Indian tribes and work to protect and enhance tribal resources.
    My Administration is working to increase employment and expand 
economic opportunities for all Native Americans. Several Federal 
agencies recently participated in the National Summit on Emerging Tribal 
Economies to help us accomplish this goal. In order to build upon this 
effort, my Administration will work to promote cooperation and 
coordination among Federal agencies for the purpose of fostering greater 
economic development of tribal communities. By working together on 
important economic initiatives, we will strengthen America by building a 
future of hope and promise for all Native Americans.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and 
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2002 as National 
American Indian Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to commemorate 
this month with appropriate programs and activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of 
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:46 a.m., November 5, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
November 6. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.