National Native American Heritage Month, 2015

Proclamation 9362 of October 30, 2015

National Native American Heritage Month, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

American Indians and Alaska Natives enrich every aspect
of our country. As the first to live on this land,
Native Americans and their traditions and values
inspired--and continue to inspire--the ideals of self-
governance and determination that are the framework of
our Nation. This month, we recognize the contributions
made by Native Americans since long before our
founding, and we resolve to continue the work of
strengthening government-to-government ties with tribal
nations and expanding possibility for all.

Native Americans have helped make America what it is
today. As we reflect on our history, we must
acknowledge the unfortunate chapters of violence,
discrimination, and deprivation that went on for far
too long, as well as the effects of injustices that
continue to be felt. While we cannot undo the pain and
tragedy of the past, we can set out together to forge a
brighter future of progress and hope across Indian
Country and the entire American landscape.

Since I took office, I have worked with tribal leaders
to write a new chapter in our nation-to-nation
relationship. Ensuring young people have every
opportunity to succeed is a critical aspect of our work
together, and this year my Administration hosted the
inaugural White House Tribal Youth Gathering following
the launch of Generation Indigenous--an initiative
aimed at improving the lives of Native youth and
empowering the next generation of Native leaders. We
will also host the seventh White House Tribal Nations
Conference later this year, bringing together leaders
of 567 tribes to explore opportunities for progress,
with a particular focus on young people. As part of our
agenda for providing Native youth the chance to realize
their fullest potential, I have engaged tribal
communities in a range of critical areas, and we have
worked together to boost high school graduation rates
and afford young people more chances to pursue higher
education, employment, and professional development
opportunities. We're also working to expand access to
health and counseling services essential to ensuring
youth feel safe and heard.

My Administration has continued to partner with tribes
to address vital gaps in resources for Indian Country,
including equipping communities with broadband,
rebuilding infrastructure, spurring economic growth,
and increasing renewable energy. To confront the peril
of a changing climate, we are also working with tribal
leaders across America to develop effective approaches
to protecting our communities from this grave threat.
And because we know that fostering pride in the
languages, traditions, and practices that make up the
extraordinary richness of Native American culture is
central to our shared progress, my Administration
remains committed to ensuring every community feels
connected to the extraordinary legacies they are a part
of.

This month, let us reaffirm our responsibility to
ensure each generation is defined by a greater sense of
opportunity than the last, and let us pledge to
maintain our strong relationship with tribal nations
across America. By keeping this commitment, and by
endeavoring to shape a future in which

every citizen has the chance to build a life worthy of
their hopes and dreams, we can ensure that ours is a
country that is true to our spirit and to our enduring
promise as a land where all things are possible for all
people.

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 2015 as
National Native American Heritage Month. I call upon
all Americans to commemorate this month with
appropriate programs and activities, and to celebrate
November 27, 2015, as Native American Heritage Day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and fortieth.