National Native American Heritage Month, 2012

Proclamation 8901 of November 1, 2012

National Native American Heritage Month, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

As the first people to live on the land we all cherish,
American Indians and Alaska Natives have profoundly
shaped our country's character and our cultural
heritage. Today, Native Americans are leaders in every
aspect of our society--from the classroom, to the
boardroom, to the battlefield. This month, we celebrate
and honor the many ways American Indians and Alaska
Natives have enriched our Nation, and we renew our
commitment to respecting each tribe's identity while
ensuring equal opportunity to pursue the American
dream.

In paying tribute to Native American achievements, we
must also acknowledge the parts of our shared history
that have been marred by violence and tragic
mistreatment. For centuries, Native Americans faced
cruelty, injustice, and broken promises. As we work
together to forge a brighter future, we cannot shy away
from the difficult aspects of our past. That is why, in
2009, I signed a bipartisan resolution that finally
recognized the sad and painful chapters in our shared
history. My Administration remains dedicated to writing
a new chapter in that history by strengthening our
government-to-government relationship with tribal
nations while enhancing tribal sovereignty and tribal
self-determination.

Because we know that the best ideas for tribal nations
come from within, my Administration has continued to
engage tribal leaders in developing an agenda that
respects their expertise on matters affecting American
Indians and Alaska Natives. In collaboration with
tribal nations, we are making critical investments to
improve health and education services, create jobs, and
strengthen tribal economies. In July, I was proud to
sign the Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible
Tribal Homeownership (HEARTH) Act into law, which will
enhance tribal control over the leasing of Indian
lands. Last December, I signed an Executive Order to
expand educational opportunities for Native American
students. It aims to preserve Native languages,
cultures, and histories while offering a competitive
education that prepares young people to succeed in
college and careers. And under the Tribal Law and Order
Act and the Safe Indian Communities initiative, we are
continuing to work with tribes to build safer
communities. My Administration also supports the United
Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples.

Many longstanding Native American legal claims against
the United States have been resolved, which will help
accelerate the restoration of trust in our
relationships with tribal nations. The settlements that
came out of these claims--including the historic Cobell
and Keepseagle settlements, as well as more than 50
settlements in cases alleging Federal mismanagement of
tribal trust funds and resources--will put an end to
decades of litigation and help drive economic
development in tribal communities in the years to come.

In partnership with tribal nations, my Administration
has addressed injustices and built new avenues of
opportunity for American Indians and Alaska Natives. As
we celebrate National Native American Heritage Month,
let us move forward in the spirit of mutual
understanding and mutual trust,

confident that our challenges can be met and that our
shared future is bright.

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 2012 as
National Native American Heritage Month. I call upon
all Americans to commemorate this month with
appropriate programs and activities, and to celebrate
November 23, 2012, as Native American Heritage Day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
first day of November, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.