    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 43 (Monday, November 3, 2008)]
    [Pages 1391-1392]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 8313--National American Indian Heritage Month, 2008

     October 30, 2008

     By the President of the United States

     of America

     A Proclamation

        During National American Indian Heritage Month, we celebrate the
    rich ancestry of American Indians and Alaska Natives and recognize their
    many contributions to our national story.
        Native Americans have enriched our heritage and added to all aspects
    of our society. Our country is blessed to have their character and
    strength, and we are especially grateful for the generations of Native
    Americans who have answered the call to defend our country. During World
    War II, these brave patriots used their native languages to create an
    unbreakable oral code. Today, that legacy continues as Native Americans
    work to advance freedom's cause.
        My Administration remains committed to protecting tribal sovereignty
    and the right to self-determination and to working with tribes on a
    government-to-government basis. To help more Native Americans realize
    the dream of home ownership, I signed the Native American Housing
    Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2008. For
    nearly eight years, we have also worked to strengthen educational
    opportunities for all Americans. In 2004, I issued an executive order to
    help Native American students fulfill the challenging standards of the
    No Child Left Behind Act. This order established the Interagency Working
    Group on American Indian and Alaska Native Education to improve
    educational programs consistent with tribal traditions, languages, and
    cultures. By setting high standards for academic achievement, we are
    enabling more Americans throughout our country to pursue their dreams.
    During this month, we honor our native peoples and recognize them for
    strengthening the diversity of our society.
         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

    [[Page 1392]]

    States, do hereby proclaim November 2008 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 thirtieth day
    of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    third.
                                                    George W. Bush

     [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:15 a.m., October 31,
    2008]

    Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on
    November 3.