By The President of the United States of America
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A PROCLAMATION
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American Indians and Alaska Natives enrich every aspect of our
country. As the first to live on this land, Native Americans and
their traditions and values inspired -- and continue to inspire
-- the ideals of self-governance and determination that are the
framework of our Nation. This month, we recognize the contributions
made by Native Americans since long before our founding, and we
resolve to continue the work of strengthening government-to-government
ties with tribal nations and expanding possibility for all.
Native Americans have helped make America what it is today.
As we reflect on our history, we must acknowledge the unfortunate
chapters of violence, discrimination, and deprivation that went
on for far too long, as well as the effects of injustices that continue
to be felt. While we cannot undo the pain and tragedy of the past,
we can set out together to forge a brighter future of progress and
hope across Indian Country and the entire American landscape.
Since I took office, I have worked with tribal leaders to write
a new chapter in our nation-to-nation relationship. Ensuring young
people have every opportunity to succeed is a critical aspect of
our work together, and this year my Administration hosted the inaugural
White House Tribal Youth Gathering following the launch of Generation
Indigenous -- an initiative aimed at improving the lives of Native
youth and empowering the next generation of Native leaders. We will
also host the seventh White House Tribal Nations Conference later
this year, bringing together leaders of 567 tribes to explore opportunities
for progress, with a particular focus on young people. As part of
our agenda for providing Native youth the chance to realize their
fullest potential, I have engaged tribal communities in a range
of critical areas, and we have worked together to boost high school
graduation rates and afford young people more chances to pursue
higher education, employment, and professional development opportunities.
We're also working to expand access to health and counseling services
essential to ensuring youth feel safe and heard.
My Administration has continued to partner with tribes to address
vital gaps in resources for Indian Country, including equipping
communities with broadband, rebuilding infrastructure, spurring
economic growth, and increasing renewable energy. To confront the
peril of a changing climate, we are also working with tribal leaders
across America to develop effective approaches to protecting our
communities from this grave threat. And because we know that fostering
pride in the languages, traditions, and practices that make up the
extraordinary richness of Native American culture is central to
our shared progress, my Administration remains committed to ensuring
every community feels connected to the extraordinary legacies they
are a part of.
This month, let us reaffirm our responsibility to ensure each
generation is defined by a greater sense of opportunity than the
last, and let us pledge to maintain our strong relationship with
tribal nations across America. By keeping this commitment, and by
endeavoring to shape a future in which every citizen has the chance
to build a life worthy of their hopes and dreams, we can ensure
that ours is a country that is true to our spirit and to our enduring
promise as a land where all things are possible for all people.
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 2015
as National Native American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans
to commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities,
and to celebrate November 27, 2015, as Native American Heritage
Day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth
day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred
and fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA
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