A proclamation for Indigenous Peoples Day 2024

On Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate the strength, courage and resilience of Indigenous peoples. We celebrate the enormous contributions of indigenous communities to the world. And we recommit to respecting tribal sovereignty and self-determination and working to usher in a new era of our nation-to-nation relations.

The history of the indigenous peoples of the Americas is one of perseverance, survival, and a deep commitment to and pride in their heritage, their right to self-government, and their way of life. Since time immemorial, indigenous peoples have built and maintained powerful tribal nations, nurtured rich cultures, and established vibrant communities. And their discoveries and insights still benefit us today. But because of our nation's failed policies in the past, generations of Indigenous people have been subjected to cruelty, violence and intimidation. They were forced to leave their homeland, forbidden to speak their own language and practice their sacred traditions, and forced to assimilate. Indigenous peoples' lives have been lost, their livelihoods have been deprived and communities have been fundamentally transformed. Despite the trauma and unrest, Indigenous peoples have persevered and survived. Their stories are testaments to the courage and determination of generations to preserve their heritage, culture and identity for descendants.

Today, Indigenous peoples are leading in every way, sharing their stories and strengthening their communities. They also steward lands and waters, increase our shared prosperity, and celebrate the well-being of our nation while urging us to tell the full truth about our history. Indigenous peoples have long served in the U.S. military and fought for democracy. And Indigenous communities continue to be an integral part of the fabric of the United States, contributing so much to our shared prosperity.

I remain committed to writing a new and better chapter in our history. To make this new era of self-determination a reality, we must honor the United States' solemn promises to honor our trust and treaty obligations to tribal nations and to work together to rebuild tribal economies and institutions.

From day one, I have worked to include Indigenous voices in everything we do. I have appointed Native Americans as leaders throughout the federal government, including Interior Secretary Deb Haaland – America's first Native American Cabinet Secretary – and so many others who serve in key roles in my administration. I was proud to re-establish the White House Council on Native American Affairs to help coordinate policy. Together, we have taken historic steps to improve the consultation process between federal agencies and tribal nations.

I also believe that tribal nations know best what is right for their communities and that they do better when they make their own decisions. That's why I signed an executive order to respect the relationship between nations and ensure that federal authorities respect tribal autonomy and cut red tape so tribal leaders can do good in their communities. At the same time, we are strengthening the Buy Indian Act so federal agencies can obtain more goods and services from indigenous businesses. These initiatives will help grow the tribal economy while respecting tribal sovereignty and the right of tribal nations to build a future on their own terms.

Since I took office, the federal government has made record investments in tribal nations. My American Rescue Plan – the largest direct federal investment in tribal nations ever – has helped provide COVID-19 vaccinations to tribal communities and restart our economy. My bipartisan infrastructure bill is the largest single investment in tribal roads, bridges, water, high-speed internet, electricity, irrigation, environmental restoration and more. My Inflation Reduction Act is the largest investment in combating climate change ever made in world history. It supports tribal communities to advance the transition to clean energy and mitigate the impacts of droughts, wildfires and sea level rise that threaten indigenous lives and valuable homelands. My administration has also committed increased resources to combat the opioid epidemic and expand access to crisis care in tribal communities. Given that Native American women are twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes as white women, my administration has taken important steps to improve maternal health. And my government has also secured the first advance funding for the Indian Health Service so that hospitals can plan ahead, order supplies and hire doctors.

When my administration reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act in 2022, we included historic provisions to affirm tribal sovereignty and expand tribal jurisdiction in cases where external perpetrators harm members of their nation. And recognizing the interconnectedness of Indigenous peoples across North America, I supported a trilateral working group with Canada and Mexico to ensure that Indigenous women and girls in all three countries can live free from violence.

My administration also protects important traditional tribal lands and waters. I have protected and conserved more than 100 million acres of our nation's lands and waters. I have constructed, expanded or restored 11 national monuments – including Bears Ears National Monument, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Avi Kwa Ame National Monument, Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument and the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Monuments and other locations containing sites considered sacred to tribal nations. We are advancing the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, which spans 116 miles of California's coast and has been home to coastal and maritime tribal and indigenous peoples for tens of thousands of years. My administration has also signed over 190 co-management or co-management agreements with tribes, and we are working to sign more.

On Indigenous Peoples Day, we recognize that healing the injustices of the past, changing course and moving forward is hard work, but together nothing is beyond our capabilities. May we be proud of the progress we have made to usher in a new era of tribal sovereignty and Indigenous self-determination – an era based on dignity, respect and friendship.

THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 14, 2024, as Indigenous Peoples' Day. I call on the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also direct that the flag of the United States be displayed on all public buildings on the designated day in honor of our diverse history and the indigenous peoples who help shape this nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have laid down my hand this eleventh day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-four, and in the year of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.