Legislation
In 1976, Congress designated one week in October to celebrate Native Americans. The week served as recognition for the great influence American Indians and Alaska Natives have had upon the United States. Yearly legislation was enacted to continue the tradition until August 1990 when President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November as “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Each year, a similar proclamation is issued. November is an appropriate month for the celebration because it is traditionally a time when many American Indians hold fall harvest and special ceremonies, powwows, traditional dances, and various cultural events. The celebration recognizes hundreds of different tribes and approximately 250 languages, and celebrates the history, customs, and values of American Indians. National American Indian Heritage Month serves as a reminder of the many accomplishments Native peoples have had on the development and growth of the United States of America, as well as the pain and many challenges they have faced.
(Source: U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs)
Regulations:
EEOC Regulations require that "the head of the agency shall designate … such Special Emphasis Program managers … as may be necessary to carry out the functions described in Part 1614 in all organizational units of the agency and at all agency installations” (29 C.F.R. § 1614.102(b)(4)).
Executive Orders and Proclamations:
Executive Order 13647, June 26, 2013, Issued by President Barack Obama –– Established the White House Council on Native American Affairs on June 26, 2013. The Executive Order mandates the development of a Council to coordinate, through the Director of the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, federal engagement with tribal governments and Native American stakeholders regarding issues important to Native Americans. These matters include tribal consortia, small businesses, education and training institutions (including tribal colleges and universities), health-care providers, trade associations, research and grant institutions, law enforcement, State and local governments, and community and non-profit organizations.
Executive Order 13592, December 2, 2011, Issued by President Barack Obama –– Improving American Indian and Alaska Native Educational Opportunities and Strengthening Tribal Colleges and Universities.
Executive Order 13336, April 30, 2004, Issued by President George W. Bush –– American Indian and Alaska Native Education
Executive Order 13007, May 24, 1996, Issued by President William J. Clinton –– Indian Sacred Sites
Presidential Proclamation, September 28, 1915, Issued by President Sherman Coolidge –– Declared the second Saturday of each May as American Indian Day and significantly declared American Indians as citizens.