11/23/04

During this month when we celebrate Thanksgiving, we need to recognize the important contributions of the American Indians and Alaskan Natives to the United States . As the earliest inhabitants of this country, the native peoples of North America played a distinctive role in shaping the future of our Nation's history and culture.

For years, Native Americans and others urged that a special day be set aside to honor America 's first citizens. In 1987, the week of November 22-28 was proclaimed as "American Indian Week" by former President Reagan. Three years later, a Joint Resolution designating the month of November as "National American Indian Month" was signed by President Bush. During this month, we pause to honor the American Indians and Alaskan Natives and the vital contributions of these groups that serve to strengthen our nation.

American Indians and Alaskan Natives - the first Americans - have made enormous contributions to our country. When the Europeans first arrived in North America they did not find an empty land. They found a land of diverse people with a rich and complex system of governments, languages, religions, values, and traditions that still today shape and influence the American way of life.

American Indians have served in every war fought by the United States. From World War I through Vietnam, OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, and now OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM, they achieved positions of leadership in all branches of service.

From educators to construction workers to senior executives in Fortune 500 Corporations, many are sharing in unprecedented prosperity.

Still there remain many injustices that American Natives continue to suffer and few enjoy America 's prosperity. DoDEA schools pride themselves in providing a high quality education for all students, regardless of their heritage or cultural background. Goal One of the DoDEA Community Strategic Plan states that. "all students will meet or exceed challenging standards in academic content so that they are prepared for continuous learning and productive citizenship." In DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam we will continue to work to improve the achievements of all students in math, reading and science. It is our hope that all students, regardless of their diverse backgrounds, will leave our schools fully prepared for a successful future. Through educational initiatives such as Math Matters and the Pacific Literacy Project, along with many others designed to improve student learning, we can ensure that our students with Native American backgrounds will continue to experience educational success.

As we observe the National American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month, let us resolve to work together to ensure our schools are a place where all students feel safe, accepted for who they are, and encouraged to meet the rigor of high academic standards.

Nancy C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam