National Native American Heritage Month, 2010

Proclamation 8595 of October 29, 2010

National Native American Heritage Month, 2010

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For millennia before Europeans settled in North
America, the indigenous peoples of this continent
flourished with vibrant cultures and were the original
stewards of the land. From generation to generation,
they handed down invaluable cultural knowledge and rich
traditions, which continue to thrive in Native American
communities across our country today. During National
Native American Heritage Month, we honor and celebrate
their importance to our great Nation and our world.

America's journey has been marked both by bright times
of progress and dark moments of injustice for American
Indians and Alaska Natives. Since the birth of America,
they have contributed immeasurably to our country and
our heritage, distinguishing themselves as scholars,
artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders in all aspects of
our society. Native Americans have also served in the
United States Armed Forces with honor and distinction,
defending the security of our Nation with their lives.
Yet, our tribal communities face stark realities,
including disproportionately high rates of poverty,
unemployment, crime, and disease. These disparities are
unacceptable, and we must acknowledge both our history
and our current challenges if we are to ensure that all
of our children have an equal opportunity to pursue the
American dream. From upholding the tribal sovereignty
recognized and reaffirmed in our Constitution and laws
to strengthening our unique nation-to-nation
relationship, my Administration stands firm in
fulfilling our Nation's commitments.

Over the past 2 years, we have made important steps
towards working as partners with Native Americans to
build sustainable and healthy native communities. The
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act continues to
impact the lives of American Indians and Alaska
Natives, including through important projects to
improve, rebuild, and renovate schools so our children
can get the education and skills they will need to
compete in the global economy. At last year's White
House Tribal Nations Conference, I also announced a new
consultation process to improve communication and
coordination between the Federal Government and tribal
governments.

This year, I was proud to sign the landmark Affordable
Care Act, which permanently reauthorized the Indian
Health Care Improvement Act, a cornerstone of health
care for American Indians and Alaska Natives. This
vital legislation will help modernize the Indian health
care system and improve health care for 1.9 million
American Indians and Alaska Natives. To combat the high
rates of crime and sexual violence in Native
communities, I signed the Tribal Law and Order Act in
July to bolster tribal law enforcement and enhance
their abilities to prosecute and fight crime more
effectively. And, recently, my Administration reached a
settlement in a lawsuit brought by Native American
farmers against the United States Department of
Agriculture that underscores our commitment to treat
all our citizens fairly.

As we celebrate the contributions and heritage of
Native Americans during this month, we also recommit to
supporting tribal self-determination, security, and
prosperity for all Native Americans. While we cannot
erase the

scourges or broken promises of our past, we will move
ahead together in writing a new, brighter chapter in
our joint history.

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 2010 as
National Native American Heritage Month. I call upon
all Americans to commemorate this month with
appropriate programs and activities, and to celebrate
November 26, 2010, as Native American Heritage Day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord
two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.