Whereas Native American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians were the original inhabitants of the land that now constitutes the United States;

Whereas  American Indian tribal governments developed the fundamental principles of freedom of speech and separation of powers that form the foundation of the United States Government;

Whereas American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians have traditionally exhibited respect for our finite natural resources through a deep reverence for the earth;

Whereas Native Americans have served with valor in all of America's wars beginning with the Revolutionary War through the present day, and often the percentage of Native Americans who served exceeded significantly the percentage of Native Americans in the population of the United States as a whole, showing the disproportionate commitment of Native Americans to the nation;

Whereas American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians 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, inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders and scholars;

Whereas American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians deserve to be recognized for their individual contributions to the United States as local and national leaders, artists, athletes, and scholars;

Whereas this recognition will encourage self-esteem, pride and self-awareness in American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians of all ages about the significant role their ancestors and heritage played in the formation of the freest country in the world, America;

Whereas this recognition will allow all Americans of what ever background to show respect and admiration to American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians for their important contributions to the political, cultural and economic life of the United States and the richness of her cultural fabric;
and

Whereas bringing about a federal national holiday for Native American will show a strong united government to government relationship between the Native American Nations and the U.S. Federal Government:

Now, therefore, be it resolved,