Proclamations Proc. 7372 Proclamation 7372 of November 8, 2000 National American Indian Heritage Month, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians are a special part of the tapestry of our Nation's history. As keepers of a rich and ancient cul- tural heritage, Native Americans share with all of us the beauty of their art, the power of their songs, and the graco of their people. As individuals, they have distinguished themselves in virtually every field, from the arts to the sciences, from the world of sports to the world of commerce. This month, we celebrate the culture and contributions of the first Ameri- cans. We also remember with sorrow the suffering they endured because of past Federal actions and policies that had long-term and often dev- astating consequences for Native Americans and their culture. But, as the new millennium dawns, there is reason for optimism. During my 1999 New Markets tour of the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota and my visit to the Navaio Nation in New Mexico in April of this year, I saw firsthand a strength of spirit and hope sweeping through Indian Country. The Vice President and I have worked with tribes to foster this hope--through eco- nomic development initiatives and improved education and health care. We still have much to accomplish, however. While my Administration has worked hard to bridge the digital divide and bring the Information Super- highway to Indian Country, some areas still do not have telephone and power lines. We continue striving to provide American Indians with the tools they need to strengthen family and community life by fighting pov- erty, crime, alcohol and drug abuse, and domestic violence, and we are working with tribes to improve academic achievement and strengthen tribal colleges. We are also seeking to ensure that tribal leaders have a voice equal to that of Federal and State officials in addressing issues of concern to all our citi- zens. I reaffirmed that commitment to tribal sovereignty and self-determina- tion by issuing this month a revised Executive Order on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments. This order builds on prior actions and strengthens our government-to-government relationship with Indian tribes by ensuring that all Executive departments and agencies con- sult with Indian tribes and respect tribal sovereignty as the agencies con- sider policy initiatives that affect Indian communities. This year, my Administration proposed the largest budget increase ever for a comprehensive Native American initiative for health care, education, in- frastructure, and economic development. Just last month, as part of the De- partment of the Interior appropriations legislation, I signed into law one segment of this budget initiative that includes significant investments for school construction in Indian Country and the largest funding increase ever for the Indian Health Service. These are the kinds of investments that will empower tribal communities to address an array of needs and, ultimately, to achieve a better standard of living. Back in 1994, when I first met with the tribal leaders of more than 500 In- dian nations at the White House, I saw the strength and determination that 193
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