ONEIDA, N.Y. (AP) - President Barack Obama has asked Americans
to observe Native American Heritage Day on Friday in recognition of
the role American Indians played in the first Thanksgiving and
throughout U.S. history.

The Oneida Indian Nation in central New York praised Obama's
proclamation of November as Native American Heritage Month and Nov. 27 as Native American Heritage Day. The Oneidas say the action reinforces Obama's commitment to build a better relationship
between the U.S. and Indian nations.

The Oneidas released a statement Wednesday saying the proclamation "signals a new era between our respective governments."

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