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“EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE HONORING NATIVE AMERICANS” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H3271-H3277 on June 20, 2001.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE HONORING NATIVE AMERICANS
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 168) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Nation's schools should honor Native Americans for their contributions to American history, culture, and education.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 168
Whereas Native Americans have given much to this country;
Whereas an emphasis on freedom, justice, patriotism, and representative government have always been elements of Native American culture;
Whereas Native Americans have shown their willingness to fight and die for this Nation in foreign lands;
Whereas Native Americans honor the American flag at every powwow and at many gatherings and remember all veterans through song, music, and dance;
Whereas Native Americans honor, through song, the men and women of this country who have fought for freedom;
Whereas Native Americans love the land that has nurtured their parents, grandparents, and unnamed elders since the beginning of their recorded history; and
Whereas Native Americans honor the Earth that has brought life to the people since time immemorial: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the Nation's schools should honor Native Americans for their contributions to American history, culture, and education.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) and the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle).
General Leave
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on House Resolution 168.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Delaware?
There was no objection.
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 168, a resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Nation's schools should honor Native Americans for their contributions to American history, culture and education, offered by my colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Baca).
As we all will recall, our Founding Fathers benefitted greatly from the assistance given to them by Indian tribes early in the establishment of our Nation. Many of the basic principles of democracy in our Constitution can be traced to practices and customs already in use by American Indian tribal governments, including the doctrines of free speech and the separation of powers.
In addition, the early explorers relied heavily on Native Americans to help them navigate the New World. Among the most famous of these guides is Sacajewea, who accompanied Lewis and Clark on their expedition to explore and map the West, and who now graces the obverse side of the $1 coin.
Native Americans also served with distinction in United States military actions for more than 200 years, beginning with the American Revolution. Specifically, Native Americans fought in the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and World War I. And during World War II, more than 44,000 Native Americans out of a total population of less than 350,000 served in both the European and Pacific theaters of war. In addition, another 40,000 Native Americans left their reservations to work in ordnance depots, factories, and other war industries.
The Native Americans' strong sense of patriotism and courage emerged once again during the Vietnam era, when more than 42,000 Native Americans, more than 90 percent of them volunteers, fought in Vietnam. Native American service continues even today with many seeing action in Grenada, Panama, Somalia, and the Persian Gulf, often at rates that exceed the participation of any other single group of Americans. In fact, one out of every four Native American males is a military veteran, and many gave their lives even before they were granted citizenship in 1924.
The list of contributions made to our Nation by Native Americans is truly impressive. They are recognized for their contributions as artists, sculptors, scientists and scholars, and their efforts have contributed to our understanding and appreciation of agriculture, medicine, music and art. In addition, many of the words in our language have been borrowed from Native languages, including the names of the rivers, cities and States across our Nation.
In my home State of Delaware, the Nanticoke tribe of the eastern United States holds its annual powwow in Millsboro the first weekend after Labor Day, and thousands of people, Indians and others, attend to learn more about the Nanticoke and the Linni-Lenape, among others, who settled the Delaware River Valley from Cape Henlopen, Delaware north to the west side of the lower Hudson Valley in southern New York.
As we celebrate the culture and contributions of our Native Americans, we must also recall with great sadness the suffering they endured as a result of past policies and actions. The heritage of the Native Americans is intertwined and forever linked with our own heritage, and it is appropriate to honor it today.
Let us now work together with our schools and communities to help protect and support the perpetuation of Native American culture and community and vote ``yes'' on H. Res. 168.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
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Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I join the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) in supporting H. Res. 168, and I commend the gentleman from California
(Mr. Baca) for authoring this resolution.
As a teacher of American history, it is important that our schools embrace our collective history, including our Nation's history before the Mayflower landed. The heritage and customs of my home State of Minnesota have been greatly influenced by Native Americans. The name Minnesota itself comes from Dakota meaning the waters that reflect the sky.
Native American have strengthened our collective Nation in many ways. During World War II, about 400 Navaho tribe members served as code talkers for the U.S. Marine Corps. They transmitted messages by telephone and radio in their native language, a code that the Japanese never broke. Navaho is an unwritten language of extreme complexity, and one estimate is that fewer than 300 non-Navahos could understand the language at the outbreak of World War II. Navahos demonstrated that they could encode, transmit, and decode three lines of message in English in just 20 seconds. Machines at that time required 30 minutes to do the same job.
Mr. Speaker, throughout our Nation's history, Native Americans have demonstrated that very kind of selflessness and heroism that is sadly reflected too little in our history books.
This resolution does great justice by recognizing the contributions of these great people to our Nation's collective history, culture, and educational system. I agree with the gentleman from Delaware, as we approach our Nation's 200th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase, we should gratefully remember and learn the undaunted courage of a Native American woman, Sacajawea, who enabled Lewis and Clark to explore the land we call home.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this very important resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Baca).
(Mr. BACA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum) for yielding me this time. I appreciate her strong support for Native American issues, and the personal interest she has taken in this legislation. She is well-informed on the issues, and Congress will benefit from her scholar and commitment.
Mr. Speaker, I sponsored H. Res. 168 to ask schools to honor Native Americans for their contributions to American history, culture, and education. This resolution is a first step in seeking a Native American holiday similar to the legislation I carried in California legislation.
Native Americans have given so much to this country. Freedom, justice, patriotism and representatives of government have always been part of their culture. Long before the voyage of Christopher Columbus and the development of the first English settlement at Jamestown, Native American groups and tribes had developed their own language, literature, history, government, dance, music, art, agriculture, and architecture. That is why I am proud to be a member of the Congressional Native American Caucus.
Native Americans have shown their willingness to fight and die for this Nation in foreign lands. They honor the American flag at every powwow and at many gatherings and remember all veterans through song, music and dance.
Native Americans love the land that has nurtured their parents, their grandparents, and their elders since the beginning of their recorded history. Native Americans honor the Earth that has brought life to their people.
We need to educate and sensitize our Nation to all that Native Americans have done for this Nation. We need to take up the cause of Native American sovereignty.
Mr. Speaker, I experienced poverty firsthand as a child, so I recognize the hardship that Native Americans have faced for shelter, for health, for care, and schooling. Native American reservations have a 31 percent rate of poverty, as well as unemployment rates 6 times the national average.
Since we have provided Native Americans with a means of self-
sufficiency, they have been able to provide food, basic health care, and modern conveniences that most of us take for granted. They have moved people off welfare and reduced unemployment.
Mr. Speaker, this resolution is about justice. It is about schools respecting Native Americans; and it is very important when we say respecting in schools. When a child goes to school, he or she wants to make sure that they are honored and respected with dignity. Many times it was very difficult for a Native American to identify that he or she was Native American based on the materials that existed.
This resolution honors Native Americans for their contribution. It honors the different tribes that exist throughout our country that we recognize as well. There are a combination of tribes, and the history in our books do not reveal the many, many tribes and their contributions to the land that we love so much. We enjoy the dances, we enjoy the music, we enjoy the culture. We enjoy the heritage. This resolution is about Americans respecting Americans.
Mr. Speaker, it is time that we honor and recognize those who have given so much to enrich our country; and Native Americans have for generations and generations. I salute Native American tribes that have worked to make this resolution a reality, and to them I say this is just the beginning. We will continue the struggle. Fight the fight. We will not stop. We will not rest until there is a Native American holiday, and this is the beginning of recognizing our neighbors, people who have been here and respecting one another. We owe that to them. We owe it to our country.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Members on both sides of the aisle for coming forward with this resolution and honoring Native Americans. It is important that we recognize the people that were here, the land that we enjoy so much, and the land that we take for granted. It is this land in America where they have taken that land and made it very valuable in each area, whether it is a reservation, whether it is contributions back to our communities.
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Camp).
Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 168 expressing the sense of the House that the Nation should honor Native Americans for their contributions to American history, culture, and education.
We are privileged to share this country with Native Americans. Their contributions to democracy, the arts, agriculture, the environment, and many other endeavors are many. American Indians have been active, contributing members of society from the beginning of our country to the present, including service in our armed forces.
I am fortunate enough to have the Saginaw Chippewa Indian tribe located in my district. While historically living, trading, and hunting in the southern and midwestern areas of what is today the State of Michigan, the tribe now calls the Mount Pleasant area home.
Today's proud Saginaw Chippewa Indian tribe works with the greater Central Michigan area to promote education and programs for not only Native Americans of the area, but for all community members. The tribe works to further the progress of other Indian nations as well by working through State and Federal legislation. Being located in the middle of Michigan where they have lived for over 100 years and close to their historic land base, the members of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe remain focused on the present and future, while still remembering the past.
The Saginaw Chippewa Tribe has contributed to mid-Michigan, the State, and the entire country. Their efforts to preserve Native American heritage, share their history and help the community make me proud to represent them.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller).
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Minnesota for managing this legislation on the floor; and I thank the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) for bring this measure to the floor. And I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Baca) for authoring this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, clearly we have got to make every effort to ensure that we teach young children the great extent to which Native Americans have influenced this country through their heritage and customs and contributions and the positive impact on our development. We must get them to fully understand that Native Americans have always emphasized the key principles of democracy in their own culture, freedom, justice, patriotism, and representative government.
We must get them to understand the great contributions that individual Native Americans have made to this country throughout our entire history. At the same time, we must get people to understand that all is not well in Native America, if you will. On many of our reservations, we have very serious, serious problems, and they are problems which must be addressed by this government in its trust responsibility to those Native American tribes and nations.
We must understand that 40 percent of the housing on Indian reservations is considered substandard as compared to 5 or 6 percent of the housing nationwide. That is an obligation of this government. Indian reservations have a 31 percent poverty rate, unemployment is 46 percent on many reservations.
Most frightening of all is the fact that U.S. Native Americans suffer a death rate of 533 percent higher for tuberculosis, 249 percent for diabetes, 627 percent higher for alcoholism, and 71 percent higher for influenza and pneumonia.
Clearly the residents of these reservations, the Native Americans of this country, deserve much better care than this. This struggle will be played out in the appropriations process in this Congress. It will be played out in the budget process between the administration and the Congress. But clearly we must meet our obligation to these individuals. It is very difficult on one hand to say we must pay them great honor for all of their contributions, and then define on the other hand the incredible ignoring of the problems, the turning away from the problems that beset these very same tribes and peoples.
If we look in the jurisdiction of this committee, the Committee on Education and the Workforce, BIA-funded schools are approximately
$3,800 per student. That is about half of the national average in other public school systems. The only source of funding for those schools in most instances because of poverty on the reservation is the BIA. Why should Indian children have half of the resources dedicated to their education as other children in this Nation?
We have got to understand also the fact that they go to schools of much lesser quality than we would provide for our own children.
Mr. Speaker, finally the most difficult task in this resolution, the education of young children about the contribution of Native Americans to American society, these are sovereign Nations. Long before we came here, these were the Indian nations of this continent. They were conquered in the process of settling America. Treaties were entered into that recognized the sovereign nature of these nations. So the Indian tribes in the country today are recognition of great nations, and they do in fact have their own sovereignty. That was the arrangement. Those are the treaty guarantees.
Mr. Speaker, it is a difficult arrangement as America continues to expand and grow; but it is an arrangement that we must honor under the law, under the Constitution and under the treaties of this land. We must get young people to understand that that is the relationship. In fact, in times past when tribal leaders came to the Nation's Capital, they were greeted at the State Department as representatives of independent Nations.
Mr. Speaker, that may be the most difficult lesson, not only for the school children of this Nation, but for Members of Congress to understand the sanctity of that relationship and the importance of independence to these Indian tribes.
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Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Carson).
Mr. CARSON of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to speak in support of House Resolution 168, introduced by the gentleman from California (Mr. Baca). I would also like to commend the leadership of the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum), the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), and the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) as well for their great interest in this legislation.
Recognition by the Nation's schools of the unique role that Native Americans have played in American history, culture and education is long overdue. In 1994, President Clinton invited all of the tribal leaders in America to the White House, and it was the first such gathering since the Presidency of James Monroe in the 1820s. Similarly, President Clinton was the first President, in 1999, to visit Indian country since Franklin Delano Roosevelt did more than 50 years earlier.
Native Americans have played integral roles in the history and culture of the United States, ranging from Maria Tall Chief from my own congressional district who was the muse of George Balanchine to contemporary novelists like Louise Erdrich, N. Scott Momaday, and James Welch.
The gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum) eloquently spoke of the contribution to our national security of the Navajo code talkers whose contributions to our Nation have only recently been recognized. The code talkers, as she pointed out, used a special code based on the Navajo language to transmit messages rendering all attempts by the Japanese to decipher American battle messages about the time and place of attack futile. Of course they were just working on the history of American Indians in combat.
The Choctaw Indians from Mississippi and Oklahoma had also used their own language as a code during World War I. About 400 Navajos served from 1942 through 1945 as code talkers, taking part in every assault that the U.S. Marines undertook in the Pacific theater. One major was quoted as saying, ``Were it not for the Navajos, the Marines would never have taken Iwo Jima.''
The incredible service of American Indians has certainly not been limited to the Navajo Tribe. In the 20th century, five American Indians have been among those few soldiers to be distinguished with the Medal of Honor, given for military service above and beyond the call of duty. Two of those were from Oklahoma, a Cherokee from Oklahoma and a Creek as well. Also a Choctaw from Mississippi, a Winnebago from Wisconsin, and a Cherokee from the Eastern Band in North Carolina were awarded our highest military decoration. As we approach Independence Day, it is fitting that we now pass House Resolution 168, considering the critical role that Native Americans have played and will play in protecting our country and the principles Americans have adhered to since our own independence.
Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee).
Mr. KILDEE. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time.
Mr. Speaker, as cochair of the Native American Caucus, I am very happy to support this resolution. The American Indian, Native Americans, occupy a unique position in this country and in the Constitution of the United States. You and I have two citizenships: I am a citizen of the United States and a citizen of the State of Michigan. Native Americans under the Constitution and under the Supreme Court decisions have thee citizenships. They are citizens of the United States and they have proven that over and over again in our wars; they are citizens of the sovereign States in which they live; and they are citizens of the sovereign tribes in which they live.
The Constitution says Congress shall have power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the several States and with the Indian tribes. Those three sovereignties are listed there. John Marshall in 1832 stated in his Supreme Court decision, the Indian nations had always been considered as distinct independent political communities retaining their original natural rights. They are a retained sovereignty.
We have an obligation under the Constitution, under the laws, and under the interpretation of the Supreme Court to make sure we keep our responsibilities to Native Americans.
Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall).
Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, let me recognize the leadership of the gentleman from California (Mr. Baca) on this and also the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum) for their effort.
I rise today to express my support for H. Res. 168 which sends an unequivocal message that our Nation's schools should honor the Native American men, women, and children of this country for their lasting contributions to American history, culture, and education. It is only fitting that we honor them for their unique contribution which is evident in every aspect of American history and culture.
For centuries, Native Americans have experienced untold hardships and trials at the hands of many. Yet their contributions to the United States and their support for our Nation are without doubt. Native Americans have and continue to share with all Americans a profound love and respect for this great country.
In New Mexico, Native Americans account for 9 percent of the State's population and in my congressional district, 20 percent. I am proud to represent such a large indigenous Native American population.
With the passage of this resolution, I believe this body is taking an important step toward a time when Native American history and culture will be embraced and taught in the schools nationwide. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Guam (Mr. Underwood).
Mr. UNDERWOOD. I thank the gentlewoman from Minnesota for yielding me this time.
Mr. Speaker, I want to stand in very strong support of the resolution introduced by the gentleman from California (Mr. Baca) in order for all Americans and schools to learn about the role that Native Americans have played in American history and culture. I too want to associate my remarks to make sure that proper attention is drawn as we celebrate and honor their activities, that we also educate America about the conditions that Native Americans face today.
I also want to take this opportunity to educate my colleagues about other indigenous populations under U.S. jurisdiction. One of the features of this debate, this discussion, is that the term Native American is primarily synonymous with American Indian, but I also want to let the House know that the term Native American, meaning indigenous American, also includes Alaska natives, native Hawaiians, American Samoans, the Chamorro people from Guam and the Northern Marianas and the Carolinian people of the Northern Marianas as well.
Most Americans consider Native Americans to be limited to the term American Indian and Alaska native, but even in Federal legislation we acknowledge that the term Native American is broader than that. In fact, Federal programs like the Native American Programs Act and the Native American Veterans Home Loan Equity Act have included other Native Americans, notably Pacific islanders from the territories and the State of Hawaii.
I think part of the problem may arise from our varying political status, particularly in the case of the territories. It could also stem from the fact that we are geographically so far away from the continental United States that it is easy to forget about the entire panoply of indigenous Americans that exist under the American flag.
I want to take the time to point out that in 1993, the House and Senate passed S. Con. Res. 44 which expressed the sense of Congress that the United States should support the establishment of international standards on the rights of indigenous peoples. These indigenous people referred to in there included all the people that I have mentioned. I stand in strong support of this resolution.
Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Matheson).
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Matheson).
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Shaw). The gentleman from Utah is recognized for 1 minute.
Mr. MATHESON. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I speak in support of H. Res. 168. I would like to take advantage of this time to acknowledge the contributions and history of the Native American population in my State of Utah. Five major tribes have roots in Utah: the Utes for which my State is named, the Dine or Navajo, the Goshute, the Paiute, and the Shoshoni. These great tribes represent very different cultural heritages.
While the Utes and Shoshoni adapted well to the introduction of the horse and lived in the northern plains areas of Utah, the Goshute, Paiute, and Navajo developed a culture in the desert. Though the differences between desert culture and plains culture are great, one thing has bound Utah Native Americans and that is the adversity that they have faced. With the expansion of the West, these tribes have maintained their cultural identity while dealing with great hardship. I commend the leadership of these organizations as they continue to find ways to help their members and to progress despite the difficulties of the past.
Recently, a book entitled ``A History of Utah's American Indians'' was published detailing the history of these people. I commend the work involved in this project and thank the Utah State Division of Indian Affairs for their leadership in making this book possible.
Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone).
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from New Jersey is recognized for 2 minutes.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, we need to shift our educational focus to the proud Native Americans who have endured a long history of struggles and hardships and at the same time contributed so richly to the United States. In our schools, we can begin to educate children in the elementary and secondary grades about the history, culture, traditions, language and government of America's own indigenous people. Recently setting the pace on the State level is Penobscot Representative Donna Loring from Maine. She celebrated the signing of her bill last week requiring Maine Native American history and culture to be taught in all elementary and secondary schools.
Mr. Speaker, Native Americans have given much to their country. They developed well-tuned techniques for sustainable management of ecosystems. They basically pioneered, Mr. Speaker, star and constellation knowledge through their tribal religions. Their arts and crafts, basketry, pottery, and carving are world renowned. They have made significant contributions and knowledge with regard to fishing, hunting, and agricultural techniques. Their medicinal knowledge is outstanding and is more frequently used today to complement traditional medical treatment.
Mr. Speaker, Native Americans are a proud people who are still here today despite over 500 years of struggle. It is time that we begin to honor and respect Native Americans for their rich history and contributions to the United States, which is what this resolution seeks to accomplish. The best place to begin this is in the elementary and secondary schools of America.
Mr. Speaker, finally I want to say that while we are recognizing the importance of Native American contributions and history and culture, we should also give serious consideration to creating a day of honor for America's indigenous people. Now is the time to create a legal public Native American holiday.
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth).
Mr. HAYWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Delaware for yielding me this time, and I thank the authors of this resolution for bringing it to the floor.
Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent the Sixth Congressional District in Arizona, an area in square mileage almost the size of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Nearly one out of every four of my constituents is Native American. I appreciate that designation and that distinction. Ofttimes I call the American Indians the first Americans.
Mr. Speaker, I think for too long, in too many ways, the first Americans have become the forgotten Americans.
It was my privilege early in my time in Congress to welcome a member of the San Carlos Apache tribe to my district. He was a proud veteran of Vietnam. He talked about coming to Washington and seeing the different monuments, retracing the names of those with whom he served in Vietnam who paid the ultimate price, visiting the Mall and seeing the grand memorials to so many different figures in American history. Yet that afternoon when he came to my office, he was troubled because he said to me, ``Congressman, where's the Indian?''
Of course to score debating points, I suppose I could have pointed out that Ira Hayes, a Pima Indian, is forever memorialized in that brilliant scene from Iwo Jima that we see, the Marine Memorial, as the flag is raised there on Mount Suribachi. But that was not his point. His point was the first Americans have played a vital role in our Nation. Indeed, Mr. Speaker, as we check, those who now serve in our all-volunteer force, no racial group, no ethnic group answers the call to duty more than the first Americans.
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This legislation asks us to help remember people who are too often forgotten. I hope on many days at school, children of the elementary- and secondary-level students will learn of the code talkers from the great Navajo Nation who helped us win the war in the Pacific in World War II.
Yes, Hollywood is prepared to memorialize it in a motion picture called ``Wind Talkers,'' but there needs to be a supplement beyond entertainment in the classroom. Most of us fail to realize that the Navajo Tribal Council, nearly 1 year prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, passed a resolution asking the United States of America to enter World War II on the side of the allies because from their vantage point in Window Rock, Arizona, in a sovereign nation that transcends the boundaries of four of our States, remote in the mindset of many Americans but from that distance and from a proud history a sound perspective.
Mr. Speaker, think of the valuable lessons that can be learned from the first Americans. I mentioned only what has transpired within the last century. This is part and parcel of our heritage, and if we are what we learn, if what is passed is prologue, then this is a laudable goal and something this House of Representatives should heartily endorse and pass overwhelmingly because the first Americans should not be forgotten.
Their legacy of honor not only in armed conflict but in so many different endeavors of human experience cannot be treated as some sort of novel concept, something that need be shuttled off on the shelf, to be thought of almost as trivia. It is central to our American experience.
So I am pleased to endorse this legislation and ask all of my colleagues, regardless of political philosophy or partisan dispensation, to support it as well.
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum).
Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I want to express my sincere thanks to the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle). I thank him so much for his help in this.
Today we are taking a step forward just on the House floor with providing an educational opportunity for all Americans and for people all over the world who visit our Nation's Capitol today to learn more about our native Americans and our collective Nation, our one Nation, the United States.
I am just going to, in closing, mention a few States besides Minnesota, which I mentioned, that reflect greatly our Native American heritage. Minnesota means the waters that reflect the sky. Iowa is the Dakota word for beautiful land; Wyoming, a Native American word for large prairie; Michigan, a Native American word for great water; Nebraska, the Omaha word for flat or broad river; Connecticut, a word for long river; Ohio, good river; Oregon, beautiful water; Texas, a word for friend; Dakota, the word friend; Missouri, the word for water flowing along. We are one Nation, a beautiful Nation, and our Native American language reflects that in the names that we have chosen for our States.
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum) for her courtesy in managing this and the gentleman from California
(Mr. Baca), who has supported and sponsored it. I obviously urge everybody in the House to support the legislation.
Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 168, a resolution conveying the sense of the House of Representatives that America's schools should honor the contributions of native Americans to our history, culture, and education.
As our Nation enters into the 21st century, it is important that we recognize the elements that have shaped our history and our culture. The contributions made by native Americans represent a significant aspect of American heritage, not only in a cultural sense, but also in the sacrifices, dedication, and patriotism displayed throughout our history. I am a cosponsor of this legislation because our Nation's schools present the most opportune situation for young people to recognize and appreciate the diverse society in which we live, and understand the history that has brought us to where we are.
In my home State of Wisconsin, there are 11 federally recognized tribes representing close to 50,000 American citizens. In addition, a large number of Wisconsin cities, counties, lakes, and rivers hold names representative of the strong native American heritage in the area. To strengthen understanding of the issues relating to native American history in the State, Wisconsin passed language in the 1989-91 biennial budget requiring schools teach students about the culture, history, sovereignty, and treaty rights of Wisconsin Indian Tribes, as well as providing training to teachers on these issues.
This legislation encourages teachers, administrators, and students around the Nation to lead community efforts honoring native American contributions to our national history and culture. As a member of the native American caucus, I appreciate the focus this resolution puts on accomplishments made by schools in teaching social history lessons that recognize the role of native Americans, and I am hopeful such efforts continue.
Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to voice my support for H. Res. 168. This resolution would show the House of Representative's dedication to respecting the first inhabitants of this great nation by calling on our citizenry to honor native Americans for all of their accomplishments and contributions to society. American Indians have influenced every aspect of American life. It is our duty as Americans to recognize and honor the impact that native Americans have had in the shaping of our nation.
By exploring these lands thousands of years prior to any Europeans, native Americans were able to develop the techniques and strategies necessary to survive on this continent. Without the instruction and aid from neighboring native American communities, the Mayflower pilgrims and original settlers would not have survived the brutal American winters and would have been unable to build the foundation that our country is built upon. The legacy of the native American reaches much further than the original settlers, however. From the fight for independence from Britain to the battlefields of Nazi-occupied Europe, native Americans have proven that they will heed a call to arms to defend the basic American principles of democracy and freedom. The influence of native American culture can be seen throughout America today. Great American cities, states, and rivers are still referred to today by names granted to them by native Americans hundreds of years ago. The proud history of the native American can be found in the classrooms of America and the museums of the world. It is time that the American people honor our native American brethren for the contributions they have provided to our great nation.
As a descendant of the Cherokee nation, I hold deep feelings of love and respect for both the American Indians of the past and the present. I understand the true beauty of the native American and recognize first hand the troubles and turmoil that have plagued these peoples since the introduction of European influence. Unfortunately, the lifestyle of the American Indian did not fit with that of the white man and many natives suffered and died from relocation and disease sparked by the presence of the European. My own ancestors were forced to give up their land and livelihood and march from North Carolina to Oklahoma on the infamous Trail of Tears. Native Americans have dealt with negative stereotypes and stigma for too long. H. Res. 168 is the first step in bringing out awareness of the true beauty of native American culture. In conclusion, I call on all Americans to show respect and honor to all native Americans, as their accomplishments, in all areas, have been major influences in the construction of the complete American culture.
Mr. OSBORNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 101, which recognizes the contributions of Native Americans to American history, culture, and education. I represent the Third District of Nebraska and a number of Native American communities.
The history of my state has deep roots in Native American history. Before Nebraska was settled by Europeans, 40,000 members of the Pawnee, Omaha, Oto, Ponca, Santee Sioux, Dakota Sioux, Oglala Sioux, Cheyenne, Potawatome, Arapahoe, Sac, Comanche, Brule, and Fox tribes lived in what would become the state of Nebraska. Today, there are approximately 9,000 Native Americans living in Nebraska, including those who live on the Santee, Winnebago, and Omaha reservations.
As this resolution suggests, Native Americans have richly enhanced our country culturally and politically. They deserve the recognition this resolution offers. Native Americans have greatly influenced the creation of our government and were among the first to implement the principles upon which democracy is based, such as freedom of speech and separation of church and state.
In addition to recognizing the contributions of Native Americans to American history, culture, and education, today offers an opportunity to voice our support for Native American communities and their causes. We must increase our support for the Impact Aid program, which supports public schools whose tax bases are affected by the presence of the federal government. In my Congressional District, the Santee Public School, located on the Santee Sioux reservation, depends heavily on impact aid funding for general operating expenses. Because Native American communities often lack a strong local tax base from which to raise revenue, support from the federal government is crucial.
In addition, we need to focus on ways to improve the quality of life for Native Americans, particularly for those living on or near reservations. We need to provide support for the Indian Health Service so that more Native Americans can receive adequate and timely health care. Native Americans have high rates of many physical problems ranging from diabetes to alcoholism. In addition, a number of social factors impact their communities. High school dropout rates are high, and truancy in schools is rampant. Native American communities also lack economic resources, and poverty is a serious problem. I don't pretend to have the answers that address the challenges faced by some Native American communities--including many in my Congressional district--but raising awareness of the proud history and culture of Native Americans and looking to Native American leadership are two excellent places to start.
This resolution will raise awareness of the proud traditions of Native American culture, which have contributed much to the success of our country. I am pleased to support this resolution, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same.
Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 168 and commend its sponsors for their work in bringing it to the floor today. This resolution, which recognizes and honors the contributions of Native Americans, is long overdue.
Mr. Speaker, the contributions of Native Americans have been crucial to the history of our nation and of the world and should be recognized. Acknowledging that many values of this nation were already widely held beliefs and practices among Native Americans and that they are not new ideas is an important statement and affirms the fact that Native Americans already had civilized and structured societies before the introduction of western culture.
Traditional Native American legal systems have influenced today's Democratic ideals. Items such as checks and balances and a voting system are overtones of Native American traditional practices of government.
It is only right that we honor and recognize Native American nations because they honor and recognize the United States. Many Native American Nations have long incorporated symbolic American items, such as the American flag, into their traditional ceremonies, but the respect and dedication that Native Americans have for this country goes way beyond the symbols they show consideration for.
Their respect and dedication to this land is prevalent in Native American stories and cultural practices. Native Americans attitude toward the earth and this country's land in particular is highly respectful. Their respect for the earth can be seen today in Native Americans participation in environmental protection and conservation practices. Conservation and land protection practice is important to many Natives, especially because many still survive from the resources that this land provides. In addition, the land is also the location of their origin and the center of many creation stories.
Hopefully this resolution will be a step in the right direction and the history taught in schools will be accurate and complete. In order to honor Native Americans accuracy is key in order to provide a dimension of history that will enrich the education that people of this nation receive. This resolution is a stepping-stone for other underrepresented voices to be heard and a chance for other unacknowledged history to become known.
I urge my colleagues to support adoption of this important resolution.
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Shaw). The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 168.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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