Proclamations Proc. 8196 Proclamation 8196 of October 31, 2007 National American Indian Heritage Month, 2007 By the President of the United States of Arnerica A Proc]umution Nationa] American Indian Herita\365e Month is an opportunity to honor the many contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives and to reco\365- nize the stron\365 and livin\365 traditions of the first people to call our land home. American Indians and Alaska Natives continue to shape our Nation by pre- setwin\365 the herita\365e of their ancestors and by contributin\365 to the rich diver- sity that is our country's stren\365th. Their dedicated efforts to honor their proud herita\365e have helped others \365ain a deeper understandin\365 of the vi- brant and ancient customs of the Native American community. We a]so ex- press our \365ratitude to the American Indians and Alaska Natives who setwe in our Nation's military and work to extend the blessin\365s of liberty around the world. My Administration is committed to supportin\365 the American Indian and Alaska Native cultures. In June, I si\365ned the "Native American Home Own- ership Opportunity Act of 2007," which reauthorizes the Indian Housin\365 Loan Guarantee Pro\365ram, \365uaranteein\365 loans for home improvements and expandin\365 home ownership for Native American families. Workin\365 with tribal \365overnments, we will strive for \365reater security, healthier lifestyles, better schools, and new economic opportunities for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Durin\365 National American Indian Herita\365e Month, we underscore our com- mitment to workin\365 with tribes on a \365overnment-to-\365overnment basis and to supportin\365 tribal soverei\365nty and self-determination. Durin\365 this month, I also encoura\365e Federal a\365encies to continue their work with tribal \365overn- ments to ensure sound cooperation. Efforts such as on-line trainin\365 pro- \365rams will improve intera\365ency collaboration in the Federal Indian Affairs community and help to stren\365then relationships with tribes, buildin\365 a bri\365hter future for all our citizens. NOW, THEI\177EFOI\177E, I, GEOI\177GE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2007 as National American Indian Herita\365e Month. I call upon all Americans to commemo- rate this month with appropriate pro\365rams and activities. IN WITNESS WHEI\177EOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Inde- pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sec- ond. GEOI\177GE W. BUSH 119
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