[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 45 (Monday, November 8, 2004)]
[Pages 2796-2797]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7840--National American Indian Heritage Month, 2004

 November 4, 2004

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    As the first people to call our country home, American Indians and 
Alaska Natives have a noble history in this land and have long shaped 
our Nation. During National American Indian Heritage Month, we celebrate 
our commitment to respect and preserve the rich Native American 
traditions and cultures.
    The enduring experiences of tribal communities are a cherished part 
of our national story. In September, I was proud to meet with tribal 
leaders and celebrate the opening of the Smithsonian Institution's 
National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall in 
Washington, D.C. This new facility stands as a powerful symbol of the 
pride and vitality of our Native Peoples. The museum showcases 
masterworks of great cultural, historical, and spiritual significance. 
Through exhibits documenting past and present achievements and hopes for 
the future, it will introduce generations of visitors to the strong and 
living traditions of Native Americans. As a center for scholarship and 
learning, the National Museum of the American Indian will also advance 
understanding of the diversity that makes our Nation great.
    My Administration is committed to helping Native Americans as they 
build on their proud legacy. With the funding of my 2005 budget, we will 
have provided the Bureau of Indian Affairs with more than $1.1 billion 
for school construction and repairs during the past 4 years. To improve 
education for American Indian and Alaska Native children, I signed an 
executive order establishing an Interagency Working Group to help 
students meet the standards set by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 
in a manner that is consistent with tribal traditions, languages, and 
cultures. By setting standards for academic achievement and cultural 
learning, Americans in all communities can help their children realize a 
brighter future. I also signed an executive memorandum to all Federal 
agencies affirming the Federal Government's continuing commitment to 
recognize tribal sovereignty and self-determination. As they have in the 
past, tribal governments will maintain jurisdiction over their lands, 
systems of self-governance, and government-to-government relationships 
with the United States.
     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 2004 as 
National American Indian Heritage

[[Page 2797]]

Month. I encourage all Americans to commemorate this month with 
appropriate programs and activities and to learn more about the rich 
heritage of American Indians and Alaska Natives.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of 
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:39 a.m., November 8, 
2004]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
November 9.