President Signs Kildee’s Sacagawea Coin Bill into Law

Washington, D.C. – H.R. 2358, the Native American $1 Coin Act was signed into law Thursday by the President.  The bill, sponsored by Dale E. Kildee (D-MI), Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus, authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to annually mint a new Sacagawea coin honoring the contributions made by Native Americans. 

“I was honored to introduce this bill.  I can think of no better way to pay tribute to the Native American people than to cast in gold their contribution to the development of this nation and its history,” said Kildee.  “The coin will preserve the memory of Sacagawea and guide Americans through the journey and experiences of Native Americans.”

In the Senate, the Native American $1 Coin Act was championed by Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.

“These special coins will pay tribute to the first Americans,” said Senator Byron Dorgan.  “We currently honor Sakakawea, who played an important part in leading Lewis and Clark through the American West and is the only Native American currently on a U.S. coin.  These new coins will honor Sakakawea and other Native Americans for their tremendous contributions to our country.”

The Native American One Dollar Coin Act authorizes the Treasury to mint and issue coins that honor the outstanding contributions of Native Americans. One side of the coin would continue to feature Sacagawea, the young Shoshone woman who assisted Lewis and Clark on their expedition to the Pacific Northwest more than 200 years ago.

Beginning in 2009, the design on the reverse side of the coin would be changed annually to commemorate the achievements of other Native Americans and tribes.  These designs will be decided by the Secretary of Treasury in consultation with the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, House Congressional Native American Caucus, National Congress of American Indians, U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.