To authorize and request the President to proclaim the month of November 1990, and thereafter as "Native American Indian Heritage Month".
PL 101-343 (H.J.Res.577), enacted 08/03/1990

PUBLIC LAW 101-343—AUG. 3, 1990 
104 STAT. 391 
Public Law 101-343 
101st Congress 
Joint Resolution 
Designating the month of November 1990 as "National American Indian Heritage 
Aug. 3, 1990 
Month". 
[H.J. Res. 577] 
Whereas American Indians were the original inhabitants of the 
lands that now constitute the United States of America; 
Whereas American Indians have made an essential and unique 
contribution to our Nation, not the least of which is the contribu-
tion of most of the land which now comprises these United States; 
Whereas American Indians have made essential contributions to the 
world, including prehistoric cultivation and harvesting of corn 
and sweet potatoes; 
Whereas the people of the United States should be reminded of the 
assistance given to the early European visitors to North America 
by the ancestors of today's American Indians, including knowl-
edge and training provided to the pilgrims in survival, hunting, 
and cultivation, and fertilization of indigenous crops; 
Whereas the people and Government of the United States should be 
reminded of the assistance given to this country's Founding Fa-
thers by the ancestors of today's American Indians, including the 
support the original inhabitants provided to George Washington 
and his troops during the winter of 1777-1778, which they spent in 
Valley Forge; 
Whereas the people and Government of the United States should be 
reminded that certain concepts such as freedom of speech, the 
separation of powers in government, and the balance of power 
within government, all of which were found in the political sys-
tems of various American Indian nations, influenced the formula-
tion of the Government of the United States of America; 
Whereas the Members of the Senate and House of Representatives 
believe that a resolution and proclamation of the nature requested 
in this resolution can encourage activities which provide positive 
benefits of enhanced self-esteem, pride, and self-awareness to 
young American Indians; 
Wheresis the approaching 500th anniversary of the arrival of Chris-
topher Columbus to the Western Hemisphere provides an oppor-
tunity for the people of the United States to consider and reflect 
on our Nation's current relationship with our American Indians; 
and 
Whereas the month of November concludes the traditional harvest 
season of American Indians and wsis generally a time of celebra-
tion and giving thanks: Now, therefore, be it 
104 STAT. 392 
PUBLIC LAW 101-343—AUG. 3, 1990 
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled. That the month of Novem-
ber 1990 is designated as "National American Indian Heritage 
Month", and the President is authorized and requested to issue a 
proclamation calling upon Federal, State, and local governments, 
interested groups and organizations, and the people of the United 
States to observe the month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, 
and activities. 
Approved August 3, 1990. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 577: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 136 (1990): 
June 26, considered and passed House. 
July 19, considered and passed Senate.