National American Indian Heritage Month, 2007

Proclamation 8196 of October 31, 2007

National American Indian Heritage Month, 2007

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

National American Indian Heritage Month is an
opportunity to honor the many contributions of American
Indians and Alaska Natives and to recognize the strong
and living traditions of the first people to call our
land home.

American Indians and Alaska Natives continue to shape
our Nation by preserving the heritage of their
ancestors and by contributing to the rich diversity
that is our country's strength. Their dedicated efforts
to honor their proud heritage have helped others gain a
deeper understanding of the vibrant and ancient customs
of the Native American community. We also express our
gratitude to the American Indians and Alaska Natives
who serve in our Nation's military and work to extend
the blessings of liberty around the world.

My Administration is committed to supporting the
American Indian and Alaska Native cultures. In June, I
signed the ``Native American Home Ownership Opportunity
Act of 2007,'' which reauthorizes the Indian Housing
Loan Guarantee Program, guaranteeing loans for home
improvements and expanding home ownership for Native
American families. Working with tribal governments, we
will strive for greater security, healthier lifestyles,
better schools, and new economic opportunities for
American Indians and Alaska Natives.

During National American Indian Heritage Month, we
underscore our commitment to working with tribes on a
government-to-government basis and to supporting tribal
sovereignty and self-determination. During this month,
I also encourage Federal agencies to continue their
work with tribal governments to ensure sound
cooperation. Efforts such as on-line training programs
will improve interagency collaboration in the Federal
Indian Affairs community and help to strengthen
relationships with tribes, building a brighter future
for all our citizens.

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 2007 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
thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord
two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.