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Subject: [NATIVE-AMERICAN-NEWS] President Bush Proclaims November "National American Indian Heritage Month"
Date: Sat, 11 Jan 2003 14:32:49 EST

OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY - INDIAN AFFAIRS



For Immediate Release: Contact: Nedra Darling
November 4, 2002 202-219-4150



President Bush Proclaims November
"National American Indian Heritage Month"

WASHINGTON - In an official proclamation issued by the White House, President
George W. Bush has declared November "National American Indian Heritage
Month." President Bush praised American Indian heritage and Indian role
models who serve as a central part of America's history, including Sakajawea
and the Navajo Code-talkers of World War II.

"These examples of our true American spirit reflect our shared history and
serve as reminders of the unique heritage of American Indians and Alaska
Natives," President Bush said in his proclamation today. "Upon its completion
on the National Mall, the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the
American Indian will help educate all Americans about the lives,
contributions and culture of our Native peoples."

Assistant Secretary of the Interior - Indian Affairs Neal A. McCaleb says the
president's announcement serves as a clear reminder of this administration's
efforts to improve the quality of life for American Indian and Alaska Native
people.

"We are working to focus the efforts of government to create new jobs and new
opportunity for American Indian entrepreneurs and tribally-owned businesses,"
McCaleb said today. "Our goal of building sustainable tribal economies and
vibrant businesses is beginning to bear fruit, but there is much more work to
do. I will continue to work with President Bush to expand these opportunities
and provide renewed attention on education for our young people."

In his proclamation today, President Bush reaffirmed the administration's
goal to expand economic opportunities and employment for all Native
Americans. The President said the National Summit on Emerging Tribal
Economies, held in Phoenix in September of this year, was an important part
of that effort: "In order to build upon this effort, my Administration will
work to promote cooperation and coordination among Federal agencies for the
purpose of fostering greater economic development of tribal communities. By
working together on important economic initiatives, we will strengthen
America by building a future of hope and promise for all Native Americans."



-- DOI --



[Editor's Note: A complete text of the Presidential Proclamation is at <A HREF="http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/11/20021101-7.html">;
www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/11/20021101-7.html</A> November 1, 2002]

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