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Washington, DC - The U.S. House of Representatives passed by unanimous consent legislation sponsored by California Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) to recognize Native Americans. House Resolution 168 asks schools to recognize the contributions Native Americans have made to American history, culture, and education. This resolution is the first step towards seeking a Native American holiday on the fourth Friday in September; similar to legislation created and enacted while in the California legislature. Congressman Baca is the sponsor of House Resolution 101 which establishes a legal public holiday to celebrate Native Americans.

"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. This is about proud Americans who have given so much to this country," said Congressman Baca. "We must educate and sensitize our children about Native Americans and what they have done for our nation. This resolution is about justice! It is about teaching and educating our students, parents and society about Native Americans! It is about the debt created by the near extermination of their race! It is about making at least some amends for the unspeakable harm we have done to a proud and noble people. By recognizing and honoring them, maybe we can start healing the wounds created by a history of distrust and genocide!" Congressman Baca said, "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!"

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.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 18, 2001

Mr. BACA (for himself, Mr. PALLONE, Ms. MCKINNEY, Mr. LANGEVIN, Ms.

MILLENDER-MCDONALD, Ms. KAPTUR, Mr. CARSON of Oklahoma, Mr. HALL of

Ohio, Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA, Mr. REYES, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. HONDA, Mr. FILNER,

Mrs. CAPPS, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Mrs.

CHRISTENSEN, Mr. ENGLISH, Mrs. MINK of Hawaii, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr.

KIND, Mr. FROST, Mr. STUPAK, Mr. UDALL of New Mexico, Mr. BONIOR, Mr.

FARR of California, and Mr. MCDERMOTT) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce

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.

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.