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 nation-to-nation relationship, my Administration stands firm in fulfilling our Nation's commitments.
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.
Native American Heritage Month
Comment: Even though this is a presidential proclamation, it's still wrong to capitalize words such as "nation" and "administration." Sorry, Obama, but check your "Strunk and White."
For more on the subject, see History of Native American Heritage Day.
Below: Obama by Bunky Echo-Hawk.
If words only had meaning, I can’t help but picture President Obama sitting alone in an empty oval office reflecting on these words and taking them to heart while the world outside those windows has more important things on its mind like the war; unemployment; homelessness; racial injustice in the courts, in the schools, churches, business practices and in our hearts and homes.
ReplyDeleteWhom does he think he is appealing to by throwing these repeated and drawn out phrases echoed throughout American history only to be erased as meaningless with the stroke of a pen?
How does this lone leader of our times forget or ignore policies put into action from this very office and how it committed and continues to commit some form of genocide across the country with every waking morning in some small community, county, state or federal agency; or some private business, small or large; or some anti-Indian movement by individuals or the masses that just do not recognize even his authority as a legitimate president?
The colonials have won their fight for a voice in this nation’s capital and they are simply repeating and continuing their plight of being the privileged and chosen people. If it takes less than 1% of the nation’s population to control the policies and power making decisions for the rest of us Rob, what difference does it make how much of America is brown or black when we are all expendable?
Haven’t the lessons of having a military industrial complex taught you anything? In that, slavery still exists, it has just shifted into the form of the American taxpayer that flips the bill for that 1%, even at the cost of death and war.
And Obama’s presidency, though racially historical, is powerless and toothless against the machine. Think about it while celebrating and proclaiming Native American Heritage Month and eating some frybread with a bowl of cornsoup!