Proclamation 5577 --
American Indian Week, 1986
By
the President of the
A
Proclamation
The
Americans we know as American Indians and Native Americans were the first
explorers and settlers of the areas that now make up the
Many
of the foods we eat and the medicines and remedies we use were introduced by
Indians, and more than one highway follows an Indian trail. Indians make
contributions in every area of endeavor and American life, and our literature
and all our arts draw upon Indian themes and wisdom. Countless American Indians
have served in our Armed Forces and have fought valiantly for our country. All
Americans are grateful for these lasting contributions.
We
look to the future with the expectation of even stronger tribal governments and
lessened Federal control over tribal government affairs. We look to a future of
development of economic independence and self-sufficiency, and an enhanced
government-to-government relationship that will allow greater Indian control of
Indian resources.
During
the Thanksgiving season, generations of Americans have been reminded of the
early friendship of the Pilgrims and American Indians. We give thanks to God
for the friendship, cooperation, and brotherhood between American Indians and
other Americans, as we thank Him for all the many blessings He bestows on us.
We thank Him for all that American Indians and Native Americans have meant and
continue to mean to American life.
The
Congress, by Public Law 99 - 471, has designated the week of November 23
through November 30, 1986, as ``American Indian Week'' and authorized and
requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this week.
Now,
Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the
In
Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of
November, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-six, and of the
Ronald
Reagan
[Filed
with the Office of the Federal Register,