Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 213 / Thursday, November 4, 2010 / Presidential Documents 67907 

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 nationto-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 


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67908 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 213 / Thursday, November 4, 2010 / Presidential Documents 

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 thirtyfifth. 

[FR Doc. 2010–28088 

Filed 11–3–10; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3195–W1–P 


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