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HOUSE RESOLUTION 168
107th CONGRESS, 1st Session , 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
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.
[Time: 11:00]
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
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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
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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.
[Time: 11:15]
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
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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.
[Time: 11:30]
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
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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
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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.
