Text 47, 69 rader
Skriven 2004-11-04 23:35:02 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (041104f) for Thu, 2004 Nov 4
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National American Indian Heritage Month, 2004 by the President of the
United States of America a Proclamation
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 4, 2004

National American Indian Heritage Month, 2004 by the President of the
United States of America a Proclamation




As the first people to call our country home, American Indians and Alaska
Natives have a noble history in this land and have long shaped our Nation.
During National American Indian Heritage Month, we celebrate our commitment
to respect and preserve the rich Native American traditions and cultures.

The enduring experiences of tribal communities are a cherished part of our
national story. In September, I was proud to meet with tribal leaders and
celebrate the opening of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of
the American Indian on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This new
facility stands as a powerful symbol of the pride and vitality of our
Native Peoples. The museum showcases masterworks of great cultural,
historical, and spiritual significance. Through exhibits documenting past
and present achievements and hopes for the future, it will intro-duce
generations of visitors to the strong and living traditions of Native
Americans. As a center for scholarship and learning, the National Museum of
the American Indian will also advance understanding of the diversity that
makes our Nation great.

My Administration is committed to helping Native Americans as they build on
their proud legacy. With the funding of my 2005 budget, we will have
provided the Bureau of Indian Affairs with more than $1.1 billion for
school construction and repairs during the past 4 years. To improve
education for American Indian and Alaska Native children, I signed an
executive order establishing an Interagency Working Group to help students
meet the standards set by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 in a manner
that is consistent with tribal traditions, languages, and cultures. By
setting standards for academic achievement and cultural learning, Americans
in all communities can help their children realize a brighter future. I
also signed an executive memorandum to all Federal agencies affirming the
Federal Government's continuing commitment to recognize tribal sovereignty
and self-determination. As they have in the past, tribal governments will
maintain jurisdiction over their lands, systems of self-governance, and
government-to-government relationships with the United States.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2004 as National
American Indian Heritage Month. I encourage all Americans to commemorate
this month with appro-priate programs and activities and to learn more
about the rich heritage of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

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

GEORGE W. BUSH

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