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<br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
<br /> NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH PROCLAMATION
<br /> WHEREAS , for millennia, various nations of Indigenous Peoples with their own tribal governments , social
<br /> organizations and cultural traditions had inhabited the lands , now the United States of America; and
<br /> WHEREAS , North Carolina is home to eight state recognized tribes including the Coharie, Eastern Band of
<br /> Cherokee, Haliwa - Saponi, Lumbee, Meherrin, Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, Sappony and Waccamaw-
<br /> Siouan ; and
<br /> WHEREAS , the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, having their own social, economic, and political systems ,
<br /> dwelt in this region now known as Orange County; and
<br /> WHEREAS , in the 18th century, the United States of America was founded on a concept that all people are created
<br /> equal, yet Native Americans and Alaska Native peoples have struggled and persevered to maintain their identity
<br /> and their civilization despite centuries of inhumane and unjust Federal policies focused on genocide, removal,
<br /> and compulsory assimilation ; and
<br /> WHEREAS , Native Americans have served and continue to serve in the Armed Forces - including the Native
<br /> American Code Talkers in World War I and World War II - defending the United States and continue to serve at
<br /> a higher rate than any other ethnic group in the Nation ; and
<br /> WHEREAS , President Joseph R. Biden signed a Presidential Memorandum committing his Administration to
<br /> fulfilling Federal trust and treaty responsibilities , respecting Tribal self- governance, and conducting regular
<br /> and robust consultations with Native American Nations on a range of policy issues , and
<br /> WHEREAS , Deb Haaland of the Pueblo of Laguna now serves as United States Secretary of the Interior, becoming
<br /> the first Native American in United States history to serve in the Cabinet, and
<br /> WHEREAS , on August 3 , 1990 , then - President George H . W. Bush declared November as National Native
<br /> American Heritage Month with a landmark bill honoring the Tribal People of America, which began in 1976 ,
<br /> when Jerry C . Elliott- High Eagle, a Cherokee / Osage Indian, authored Native American Awareness Week
<br /> legislation ; and
<br /> WHEREAS , National Native American Heritage Month is a platform for Native Americans to share their culture,
<br /> ife, as well as a time for others to celebrate the myriad of contributions by
<br /> traditions , arts , and concepts of l
<br /> Native Americans and honor their influence on the advancement of the United States ; and
<br /> WHEREAS , the theme this year is " Strong Roots in Changing Times " to reflect the resilience of Native Americans
<br /> throughout the pandemic and continued preservation of their culture and traditions ;
<br /> NOW, THEREFORE, the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim November 2021 as
<br /> NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, and urges all residents to observe this month by participating in
<br /> activities and ceremonies , to celebrate November 26 , 2021 as Native American Heritage Day this month and
<br /> every month, and to honor the cultures and contr ' tions of Native Americans by committing to freedom, peace ,
<br /> and justice for all .
<br /> This 16th day of November 2021 . #
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<br /> nee A. Price, Chair
<br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners
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