IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Mr. BACA introduced the following bill;
which was referred to the Committee on Oct 16, 2002
 

A BILL

To designate a paid legal public holiday in honor of Native Americans.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. FINDINGS.

Congress finds the following:

(1) Native Americans were the original inhabitants of the land that now constitutes the United States.

(2) Native American tribal governments developed the fundamental principles of freedom of speech and separation of powers that form the foundation of the United States Government.

(3) Native Americans have traditionally exhibited respect for our finite natural resources through a deep reverence for the Earth.

(4) Native Americans have served with valor in all of the Nation's wars beginning with the Revolutionary War through the present day, and often the percentage of Native American Indians who served exceeded significantly the percentage of Americans
in the population of the United States as a whole, showing the disproportionate commitment of Native Americans to the Nation.

(5) Native Americans have made distinct and important contributions to the United States and the rest of the world in many fields, including agriculture, medicine, music, language, art, and as inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and scholars.

(6) Native Americans deserve to be recognized for their individual contributions to the United States as local and national leaders, artists, athletes, and scholars.

(7) This recognition will encourage self-esteem, pride, and self-awareness in Native Americans of all ages about the significant role their ancestors and heritage played in the formation of the freest country in the world, the United States.

(8) This recognition will allow all Americans of whatever background to show respect and admiration to Native Americans for their important contributions to the political, cultural, and economic life of the United States and the richness of its cultural fabric.

(9) Bringing about a legal public holiday for Native Americans will show a strong united government-to-government relationship between each of the Native American Nations and the Federal Government.
 

SEC. 2. DESIGNATION OF NATIVE AMERICAN'S DAY.

Congress requests that

(1) the President issue a proclamation designating a paid legal public holiday as ''Native American's Day''; and

(2) Federal, State, and local governments, interested groups and organizations, and the people of the United States to observe Native American's Day with programs, appropriate ceremonies, and activities.