PUBLIC LAW 101-343—AUG. 3, 1990 104 STAT. 391 Public Law 101-343 101st Congress Joint Resolution Designating the month of November 1990 as "National American Indian Heritage Aug. 3, 1990 Month". [H.J. Res. 577] Whereas American Indians were the original inhabitants of the lands that now constitute the United States of America; Whereas American Indians have made an essential and unique contribution to our Nation, not the least of which is the contribution of most of the land which now comprises these United States; Whereas American Indians have made essential contributions to the world, including prehistoric cultivation and harvesting of corn and sweet potatoes; Whereas the people of the United States should be reminded of the assistance given to the early European visitors to North America by the ancestors of today's American Indians, including knowledge and training provided to the pilgrims in survival, hunting, and cultivation, and fertilization of indigenous crops; Whereas the people and Government of the United States should be reminded of the assistance given to this country's Founding Fathers by the ancestors of today's American Indians, including the support the original inhabitants provided to George Washington and his troops during the winter of 1777-1778, which they spent in Valley Forge; Whereas the people and Government of the United States should be reminded that certain concepts such as freedom of speech, the separation of powers in government, and the balance of power within government, all of which were found in the political systems of various American Indian nations, influenced the formulation of the Government of the United States of America; Whereas the Members of the Senate and House of Representatives believe that a resolution and proclamation of the nature requested in this resolution can encourage activities which provide positive benefits of enhanced self-esteem, pride, and self-awareness to young American Indians; Wheresis the approaching 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Western Hemisphere provides an opportunity for the people of the United States to consider and reflect on our Nation's current relationship with our American Indians; and Whereas the month of November concludes the traditional harvest season of American Indians and wsis generally a time of celebration and giving thanks: Now, therefore, be it
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