S.Res.719 - A resolution recognizing National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of American Indians and Alaska Natives and the contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the United States.110th Congress (2007-2008)

Recognizing National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of American Indians and Alaska Natives and the contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the United States.

Recognizing National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of American Indians and Alaska Natives and the contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the United States.

Whereas from November 1, 2008, through November 30, 2008, the United States celebrates National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month;

Whereas American Indians and Alaska Natives are descendants of the original, indigenous inhabitants of what is now the United States;

Whereas, in 2000, the United States Census Bureau reported that there were more than 4,000,000 people in the United States of American Indian and Alaska Native descent;

Whereas, on December 2, 1989, the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate held a hearing exploring the contributions of the Iroquois Confederacy, and its influence on the Founding Fathers in the drafting of the Constitution of the United States with the concepts of freedom of speech, the separation of governmental powers, and checks and balances among the branches of government;

Whereas the Senate has reaffirmed that a major national goal of the United States is to provide the resources, processes, and structure that will enable Indian Tribes and tribal members to obtain the quantity and quality of health care services and opportunities that will eliminate the health disparities between American Indians and the general population of the United States;

Whereas Congress recently reaffirmed its trust responsibility to improve the housing conditions and socioeconomic status of American Indians and Alaska Natives by providing affordable homes in a safe and healthy environment;

Whereas, throughout its course of dealing with Indian Tribes, the United States Government has engaged in a government-to-government relationship with Tribes;

Whereas the United States Government owes a trust obligation to Tribes, acknowledged in treaties, statutes, and decisions of the Supreme Court, to protect the interests and welfare of tribal governments and their members;

Whereas American Indians and Alaska Natives have consistently served with honor and distinction in the Armed Forces of the United States, some as early as the Revolutionary War, and continue to serve in the Armed Forces in greater numbers per capita than any other group in the United States;

Whereas American Indians and Alaska Natives speak and preserve indigenous languages and have contributed hundreds of words to the English language, including the names of people and locations in the United States;

Whereas Congress has recognized Native American code talkers who served with honor and distinction in World War I and World War II, using indigenous languages as an unbreakable military code, saving countless American lives;

Whereas American Indians and Alaska Natives are deeply rooted in tradition and culture, which drives their strength of community; and

Whereas American Indians and Alaska Natives of all ages celebrate the great achievements of their ancestors and heroes and continue to share their stories with future generations: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) recognizes the celebration of National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month during the month of November 2008;

(2) honors the heritage and culture of American Indians and Alaska Natives and the contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the United States; and

(3) urges the people of the United States to observe National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month with appropriate programs and activities.