Native American Heritage Day Act of 2008
PL 110-370 (H.J.Res.62), enacted 10/08/2008

122 STAT. 4035 
PUBLIC LAW 110–370—OCT. 8, 2008 
Public Law 110–370 
110th Congress 
Joint Resolution 
To honor the achievements and contributions of Native Americans to the United 
States, and for other purposes. 
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Native American Heritage Day 
Act of 2008’’. 
SEC. 2. FINDINGS. 
Congress finds that— 
(1) Native Americans are the descendants of the aboriginal, 
indigenous, native people who were the original inhabitants 
of the United States; 
(2) Native Americans have volunteered to serve in the 
United States Armed Forces and have served with valor in 
all of the Nation’s military actions from the Revolutionary 
War through the present day, and in most of those actions, 
more Native Americans per capita served in the Armed Forces 
than any other group of Americans; 
(3) Native Americans have made distinct and significant 
contributions to the United States and the rest of the world 
in many fields, including agriculture, medicine, music, lan-
guage, and art, and Native Americans have distinguished them-
selves as inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and 
scholars; 
(4) Native Americans should be recognized for their con-
tributions to the United States as local and national leaders, 
artists, athletes, and scholars; 
(5) nationwide recognition of the contributions that Native 
Americans have made to the fabric of American society will 
afford an opportunity for all Americans to demonstrate their 
respect and admiration of Native Americans for their important 
contributions to the political, cultural, and economic life of 
the United States; 
(6) nationwide recognition of the contributions that Native 
Americans have made to the Nation will encourage self-esteem, 
pride, and self-awareness in Native Americans of all ages; 
(7) designation of the Friday following Thanksgiving of 
each year as Native American Heritage Day will underscore 
the government-to-government relationship between the United 
States and Native American governments; and 
(8) designation of Native American Heritage Day will 
encourage public elementary and secondary schools in the 
Native American 
Heritage Day 
Act of 2008. 
Oct. 8, 2008 
[H.J. Res. 62] 
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122 STAT. 4036 
PUBLIC LAW 110–370—OCT. 8, 2008 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 62: 
SENATE REPORTS: No. 110–435 (Comm. on Indian Affairs). 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD: 
Vol. 153 (2007): Nov. 13, considered and passed House. 
Vol. 154 (2008): Sept. 22, considered and passed Senate, amended. 
Sept. 26, House concurred in Senate amendment. 
United States to enhance understanding of Native Americans 
by providing curricula and classroom instruction focusing on 
the achievements and contributions of Native Americans to 
the Nation. 
SEC. 3. IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY. 
Congress— 
(1) designates Friday, November 28, 2008, as ‘‘Native Amer-
ican Heritage Day’’; and 
(2) encourages the people of the United States, as well 
as Federal, State, and local governments, and interested groups 
and organizations to observe Native American Heritage Day 
with 
appropriate 
programs, 
ceremonies, 
and 
activities, 
including activities relating to— 
(A) the historical status of Native American tribal 
governments as well as the present day status of Native 
Americans; 
(B) the cultures, traditions, and languages of Native 
Americans; and 
(C) the rich Native American cultural legacy that all 
Americans enjoy today. 
Approved October 8, 2008. 
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