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November 21, 2006 - President Bush declared November 2006 as National American Indian Heritage Month

By proclamation, President George W. Bush has declared November 2006 as National American Indian Heritage Month. This proclamation provides us an opportunity to look back and reflect on the accomplishments SAMSHSA has made to improve and enrich the lives of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

I am proud of our accomplishments and I am grateful for the outstanding job you do as SAMHSA employees and for the dedication you have as individuals to fulfilling the promise of America. The promise of America is a rewarding, fulfilling life in the community.
As you know, SAMHSA has taken a direct approach with the issues and challenges facing Indian Country. Our former Administrator, Charles Curie, instituted a policy that Tribes will be eligible for all SAMHSA discretionary grants, and the policy is working. In FY 2006 alone, SAMHSA has awarded almost $50 million for 14 new discretionary grants and one supplemental grant to tribal organizations.
Tribal grantees are now competing successfully among our strongest initiatives, including the Access to Recovery Program, the Strategic Prevention Framework, and SAMHSA's Suicide Prevention grant programs.
I have made a commitment to continue this success. I have begun to implement a tribal agenda that will work to improve the coordination of SAMHSA services to tribal communities. Implementation of the new tribal agenda is underway with revision to the agency's existing Tribal Consultation Policy and with an examination of how accessible SAMHSA grants are for Tribes. Both of these items are among our highest agenda priorities.
In addition, we are improving communication with our internal and external partners. Earlier this month we established a SAMHSA Tribal Issues Workgroup to facilitate coordination and collaboration on tribal activities, and we are currently receiving nominations from tribal leaders to serve on a new SAMHSA Tribal Advisory Committee that will assist and provide advice to SAMHSA in carrying out its mission.
While we have made progress in better serving American Indians and Alaska Natives, this month also calls for reflection on the work that remains to be done. Native Americans have enriched America in countless ways, and there are many ways we, as an agency, can work harder to reduce the impact of serious threats like methamphetamine use, violence, and suicide in Indian Country.
Through your efforts, you are reaching out to ensure there is a place in our tribal communities for everyone. Your work has made a significant impact on the richness of life in Indian Country where native language, culture and traditions - including native healing approaches - can flourish. Thank you for the tremendous job you do.