Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
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United Native America commends Congressman Joe Baka of California for submitting resolution 190 calling on congress to bring about a national holiday for Native Americans. His resolution also calls for congress to instruct all educational departments to institute educational programs concerning Native Americans.

This is not a bill but a resolution requesting congress to bring about a national holiday. U.N.A. has been in contact with Congressman Baka concerning his resolution.

(1) it is our feeling that requesting the forth Friday of September be a national Native American holiday would place our holiday within one week of another national holiday by the name of Columbus Day. It is highly unlikely congress would approve of two national holidays being so close.

(2) This resolution does not address Columbus Day being reclassified as a none tax paid federal holiday. Several congressman and senators have advised us that they would have no problem in declassifying Columbus Day to a non tax status, as most of them are aware that seventeen states do not recognize Columbus Day. In doing this the government could bring about a federal tax paid holiday for Native Americans which the vast majority of Americans are for without increasing federal spending.

(3) Kimberly Teehee of the congressional Indian caucus of Washington DC. has asked U.N.A. to review Congressman Baka's resolution and let her know our stand on the resolution. Kimberly Teehee has informed us that the Indian caucus is still interested in bringing about a national Native American day bill. U.N.A. has been waiting one year for this bill to be drafted.

(4) Our concerns have been expressed to senior advisor Ben Firschein, phone: 202-225-6161. Mr. Firschein will voice our concerns in a full staff meeting with Congressman Baka. We have made him aware of our groups efforts to bring about this national holiday, he is reviewing information on our web site as well as others.

Senior advisor Ben Firschein has informed us that resolution 190 is before the house education and work force committee and being held up by Republican members. Please read Congressman Baka's resolution below.

Mike L. Graham
United Native America

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that schools should educate children about and organize community service projects related to the role of Native Americans in American... (Introduced in the House)

HRES 190 IH
107th CONGRESS
1st Session
H . RES . 190

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that schools should educate children about and organize community service projects related to the role of Native Americans in American history and culture, and that there should be a paid holiday in honor of Native Americans for all Federal, State, and local government employees.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 12, 2001
Mr. BACA 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 schools should educate children about and organize community service projects related to the role of Native Americans in American history and culture, and that there should be a paid holiday in honor of Native Americans for all Federal, State, and local government employees.

Whereas the United States owes a debt to Native Americans that was created by the near extermination of their race;

Whereas the United States should make amends for the unspeakable harm it has done to a proud and noble people by recognizing and honoring Native Americans;

Whereas it is time for the United States to heal the wounds created by a history of distrust and genocide;

Whereas Native Americans have shown their willingness to fight and die for this Nation in foreign lands;

Whereas an emphasis on freedom, justice, patriotism, and representative government has always been an element of Native American culture;

Whereas it is important to empower Native Americans and give them the resources to be self-sufficient;

Whereas Native American reservations have an average poverty rate of 31 percent and unemployment rates that are approximately 6 times the national average;

Whereas the self-reliance of Native Americans has begun to lift Native Americans from poverty and has provided for food, clothing, medical clinics, and the upgrading of substandard housing;

Whereas the United States must further the cause of justice by educating and sensitizing the people of the United States about Native Americans;

Whereas the United States must recognize the contributions Native Americans have made to the United States, including providing the names for many States and landmarks; and

Whereas the fourth Friday in September would be an appropriate day on which to honor Native Americans: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that--

(1) schools in the United States should educate children about the role of Native Americans in American history and culture and organize community service projects that further that education; and

(2) there should be a paid holiday in honor of Native Americans for all Federal, State, and local government employees.