FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCTOBER 17, 2002
CONTACT: LINDA MACIAS/PAUL TODD (202) 225-6161

Baca Introduces Legislation Urging President to Designate
Native American Holiday

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Representative Joe Baca (D-Rialto) introduced legislation requesting that the President issue a proclamation designating a paid legal holiday as "Native American's Day." The bill does not designate a specific date for the holiday, but instead leaves it up to the White House to determine the appropriate date for recognizing the contributions that Native Americans have made to the United States and the world.

"Native Americans are the first Americans," Baca said. "The deserve to be recognized for the contributions they have made as local and national leaders, artists, athletes, and scholars."

Section 1 of the bill finds that Native Americans have:

• Developed the fundamental principles of freedom of speech and seperation powers that form the foundation of the U.S. Constitution.

• Exhibited a deep respect for our resources and our natural environment.

• Served with valor in our nation's armed forces

• Contributed greatly to fields such as agriculture, medicine, music and the arts, business, and religion.

The bill would encourage Native Americans to take pride in their heritage. It would also allow all Americans to show respect and admiration for the Native American community and its achievements, and foster strong government to government ties between each of the Native American Nations and the Federal Government.

"It's time we remember the Native Americans in this country in a manner fitting of their tremendous accomplishments and contributions to the greatest, freest nation on earth," Baca said.

"We honor great presidents, civil rights leaders, veterans and workers. We honor sacred religious figures and events honoring the birth of our nation and national values. It's time we included a day to recognize the people and who were the foundation of our noble history."

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