Native American Heritage Day Act of 2009

I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 40, the Native American Heritage Day Act of 2009.

I would like to thank Natural Resources Chairman Nick Rahall, Ranking Member Doc Hastings, and the leadership for their support and efforts in bringing this resolution to the floor.

I also would like to recognize the gentlelady from the Virgin Islands, Representative Christensen, and Doug Lamborn from Colorado, for their hard work in the Natural Resources Committee.

H.J. Res. 40 will help pay tribute to Native Americans for their many contributions to the United States by encouraging all Americans to observe Native American Heritage Day through appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

I have been working diligently towards an official day of recognizing for Native Americans since my time in the California legislature.

In the 110th Congress, H.J. Res. 62 was passed in both the House and the Senate and was signed by President George Bush. This bill encouraged all Americans to recognize the Friday after Thanksgiving in 2008 as Native American Heritage Day. This law was the first time in 25 years that Native Americans were honored on such a national level.

Due to House rules that restrict commemorative legislation, we are not able to have legislation on an annual basis recognizing the Native American holiday and I hope one day we will be able to do that. This legislation needed to be reintroduced to ensure that this day of recognition continues in 2009.

So in this Congress, under a new administration, I introduced H.J. Res. 40, the Native American Heritage Day Act of 2009. The act encourages all Americans, the Congress, and President Barack Obama to recognize the important contributions of the Native American community.

I will work with Senator Daniel Inouye and his colleagues to pass this resolution in the Senate and send this once again to the President for his signature. This recognition should not be just for 1 year or one Congress, but it should be for every year.

I thank Senator Inouye and the National Indian Gaming Association for their help in this Congress and for all of their efforts from the 110th Congress.

It is important that we recognize the contributions of Native Americans in all aspects of our society, including government, language, and history. Native Americans distinguished themselves throughout history as inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, athletes, and scholars. People caring about people. They have made significant contributions in the fields of agriculture, medicine, music, language, and art.

We must not forget that Native Americans have fought with valor in every American war dating back to the Revolutionary War. In fact, Native Americans have the highest record of service per capita when compared to other ethnic groups. More than 44,000 served with distinction between 1941 and 1945 in both European and Pacific theaters of war. One Native American hero many of us are familiar with is Corporal Ira Hayes, the courageous soldier immortalized forever when he helped to raise the flag at Iwo Jima.

More than 40,000 Native Americans left their reservations to work in ordnance depots, factories, and other war industries. They also invested more than $50 million in war bonds, and contributed generously to the Red Cross and the Army and Navy Relief societies.

During the Vietnam War, over 42,000 Native Americans fought bravely, of these over 90 percent of them volunteers. Native American contributions in United States military combat continued in the 1980s and 1990s as they saw duty in Grenada, Panama, Somalia, and the Persian Gulf.

Last Congress, as chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I worked with my colleagues to ensure the PBS World War II documentary ``The War'' included the sacrifices of both our Native American and our Hispanic heroes.

But there are many other Native American contributions away from the battlefield that also deserve to be recognized. Our history, our culture, our traditions, and what we give to our society and each of our communities is part of an integral educational process that we should do.

In an area near and dear to my heart--athletes--Native Americans have produced one of the greatest football players ever--Jim Thorpe. And their native languages are cultural treasures that were often used to keep the United States safe from attack--as was the case with the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II, who fought for freedom and democracy.

Last Congress--again, in my role as the chair of CHS--I fought with my colleagues to beat back harmful English-only amendments that would have threatened the continued existence of their language and their contributions to our society.

Today--through Indian gaming--Native Americans build an important economic engine that creates good-paying jobs, that can't be outsourced, in many of our communities.

In my own area, the Inland Empire of Southern California, the Pechanga and Sobaba Band of Luiseno Indians both make it a point to give back to the community, along with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. My good friend James Ramos and I served to make sure that the legislation passed in the State of California.

These tribes contribute extensively to local charities and also have donated funds to counties and local governments. The funds have been used to purchase everything from police equipment to books for the classroom.

It is important for all of us to see the significant contributions of the cultures and traditions and that everyone is properly educated on the heritage and achievements of Native Americans. And I state: everybody is properly educated, without the stereotypes that have been in place.

That is why my bill encourages public schools to place a greater emphasis on teaching Native American history and culture to our children. We must ensure that future generations understand the significant cultural legacy of Native Americans to this country--the true Americans, the true heroes, and the true citizens of this country.

For many of us, the Friday after Thanksgiving is known simply as a day of shopping or a day off work or off school. It's a day to recognize what it means in recognizing those who have contributed to our country. Let us make this day a true reflection of the significant contributions of all Native Americans.

As we all know, nationwide recognition of this contribution is long overdue. I urge my colleagues to support H.J. Resolution 40, and take a firm step in honoring Native Americans. I thank both of my colleagues for supporting this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today not only as a Member of Congress representing 11 tribal nations, but also as a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation to support the passage of H.J. Res. 40. I would like to thank Mr. Baca for his leadership on this bill and for all the work he does on behalf of Tribes. This bill recognizes of the achievements and contributions of Native Americans to the United States and encourages all Americans to observe the day after Thanksgiving as Native American Heritage Day. As a Nation with a tragic history in the treatment toward Native Americans, it is important that this Congress recognize the contribution that native peoples have made to the development of our Nation.

Today, there are 562 federally recognized Indian tribes in 34 States. Mr. Speaker, throughout the course of American history, these tribes ceded millions of acres of land to the United States, but have never ceded sovereignty or agreed to self-liquidation. Today, Indian lands are only about 5 percent of all land in the United States. Sadly, Mr. Speaker, many tribes remain fractured and broken, due to the destructive policies toward Native Americans. However, tribal heritage, history and contributions to the United States remain robust and all Americans should remember to honor the contributions of this courageous group.

Mr. Speaker, from the birth of the United States, Native Americans have contributed to our success as a country. The first European settlers could not have survived without the help of the native communities. Even during the Revolutionary War, Native Americans fought along side the colonists to fight for liberty. During their journey west, Lewis and Clark depended on tribes to see them through harsh winters and save them from starvation. Mr. Speaker, even while it was the policy of the United States to remove or destroy tribal governments in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Native Americans still worked alongside European settlers to grow our Nation both economically and culturally.

Mr. Speaker, throughout the course of our history, Native Americans have fought with, against, and for the United States. In fact, Indians have served in all the country's wars and historically enlist in the military in great numbers. Though all Native Americans did not even have U.S. Citizenship during World War I, they still volunteered their service. It is estimated that more than 12,000 American Indians served in the United States military in World War I. By using native languages to confuse the enemy, these soldiers were able to turn the tide of one of the bloodiest wars in history. These ``Codetalkers'' continued this heroic effort in World War II. Historically, Native Americans have the highest record of service per capita than any other demographic group and there are over 190,000 Native American veterans today.

Today, Mr. Speaker, tribal communities are vibrant and growing. Tribal governments are strong, ensuring that their people retain their culture, values and way of life. In my state of Oklahoma in particular, home to 39 distinct tribes, Indian Country is flourishing. Tribal enterprises contribute millions of dollars to the State's economy and provide thousands of jobs for Oklahomans. Mr. Speaker, unlike private corporations, Native American owed businesses give back to their communities by investing in basic infrastructure, healthcare, education, law enforcement and a host of other government services. In many areas, tribal cultural activities are the only access to the arts and humanities that the local population can readily access. The changes that have been made my Native businesses in recent years are absolutely astounding. Tribal cultures enrich American life, and tribal economies provide opportunities where few would otherwise exist.

As legislators and as Americans, it is vitally important that we consider the contributions that Native Americans have made to the success of our great country. It is equally imperative that Congress remembers that we have engaged with Indian tribes as a government-to- government relationship with tribes since the first European settlers arrived in North America. As we make laws that will affect Indian Country, we should do so with the intention of keeping tribal governments strong, self-sufficient and encourage the preservation of tribal cultures.

Again, Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to vote in favor of this significant legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Joint Resolution 40, which honors the achievements and contributions of Native Americans to the United States, and for other purposes.

I want to commend the sponsor of this resolution, my good friend from California, Mr. Joe Baca, for introducing such an important piece of legislation designating a day to honor and celebrate the rich traditions and cultures of our Native American heritage. I also want to thank and recognize my fellow colleagues and supporters of this joint resolution.

Today, this legislation honors the distinct and notable contributions the Native Americans have made to the United States and the rest of the world. They have achieved significant accomplishments and have made many contributions to the many fields of agriculture, medicine, music, language, and art. These First Americans who were here prior to the arrival of Europeans have been and always will be an integral part of our U.S. history. This resolution recognizes the contributions they have made through politics, economics, and, importantly, enriching the cultural fabric of our country.

Our Native American brothers and sisters have always volunteered to serve in the Armed Forces since the time of the Revolutionary War and they continue to serve with valor in our military today. We must also acknowledge the contributions and impact the Native Americans had on the creation of the fundamental principles that make our great country. Either through inspiring the Founding Fathers of the separation of governmental powers or providing for and the protection of freedom of speech, the Native American tribal governments are instrumental in the creation of our United States Constitution.

This day, Native American Heritage Day, will provide for the nationwide recognition of all our Native Americans who are estimated to number almost 2.5 million. It will help the American public celebrate and understand the culture and history of the many 562 federally recognized tribes as well as the other hundreds of tribes who have yet or are in the process being recognized by the states and the federal government. By way of programs, ceremonies, or activities to celebrate Native American Heritage Day or the enhancement of classroom instruction, we will better appreciate and understand the richness of the Native Americans.

In today's world, our country is more diverse than ever and it is important that we honor the Native Americans. It is imperative that we celebrate and recognize the rich cultural legacy of our first brothers and sisters.

For these reasons, I strongly urge my fellow colleagues to support this resolution honoring the First Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 40) to honor the achievements and contributions of Native Americans to the United States, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, House Joint Resolution 40 honors the achievements and contributions of Native Americans to the United States. The descendants of the original indigenous people of this great Nation have greatly contributed to our Nation's rich cultural heritage and deserve to be recognized for their contributions to the United States as national leaders, artists, athletes, scholars and patriots.

Native Americans have made distinct and significant contributions to the United States and the world in many fields, including agriculture, medicine, music, language, and art. Native Americans have distinguished themselves as notable inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and scholars.

Tribal governments have embodied the spirit of the U.S. Constitution and the liberties of democracy since before the Founding Fathers. They enjoyed the fundamental principles of freedom of speech and separation of governmental powers that we hold so dearly. Native Americans have, and continue to be, noteworthy and tireless community activists, fair and impartial judges, and deft politicians.

With this resolution, we honor the contributions and cultural heritage of Native Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I want to take this time to congratulate and thank our colleague, Mr. Baca of California, for his hard work to bring this bill to the floor. Were it not for him, the continuing legacy of Native Americans would go unrecognized for its great achievements. Mr. Baca's dedication to all Native Americans is most admirable.

I urge all of my colleagues to support the passage of House Joint Resolution 40.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I'd like to yield such time as he may consume to the sponsor of this resolution, Congressman Baca of California.

(Mr. BACA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

I, too, want to thank and commend Congressman Baca for this resolution. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my support for H.J. Res. 40, the Native American Heritage Day Act of 2009. Though I was unable to vote for this measure, I would like the record to reflect that I wholeheartedly support the establishment of a Native American Heritage Day whereby all Americans can pause to remember the numerous contributions Native Americans have made to our country.

Their commitment to family, to community and our country is noteworthy and substantial. They have played important roles in our society as artists, teachers, leaders, statesmen and stateswomen, soldiers and public servants. As Native American communities across Arizona and the country seek to empower and improve their community through self-governance and strengthen the bond of the government-to- government relationship between the United States and Native American governments, we should welcome the opportunity to reflect on their past and continued contributions to the United States' society and culture.

It is an honor to have 11 tribal communities in the First Congressional District of Arizona. My commitment to serving their communities and improving their lives by working together is a natural extension of my earliest memories living and growing up on White Mountain Apache tribal lands.

Establishing Native American Heritage Day is an important step to help celebrate and preserve the cultures of Native America, and I congratulate Rep. Baca and this House for their support and recognition of Native America.