Agenda - 11-19-2024; 8-b - Native American Heritage Month Proclamation

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1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: November 19, 2024 Action Agenda Item No. 8-b SUBJECT: Native American Heritage Month Proclamation DEPARTMENT: Office of Equity and Inclusion ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Proclamation Paul Slack, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer, (919) 245-2317 PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation recognizing November 2024 as Native American Heritage Month. BACKGROUND: Native American Heritage Month, observed each November, was first recognized as "National American Indian Heritage Month" in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush. This observance originated to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Native American peoples, acknowledging their significant influence on the formation and development of the United States. The observance was established to raise awareness of the challenges Native Americans have faced historically and continue to experience, as well as to celebrate their resilience, achievements, and enduring traditions. This month-long recognition highlights the diversity of Native nations, languages, customs, and histories across the United States, from the East Coast to the West and especially with the eight recognized tribes throughout North Carolina. It offers an opportunity to educate the broader community about Native Americans' pivotal roles, ranging from environmental stewardship and land care to social, political, and cultural contributions that have shaped American society. In the 1990 proclamation for Native American Heritage Month, President Bush stated, "I urge all Americans, as well as their elected representatives at the federal, state, and local levels, to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities." This observance encourages reflection, education, and celebration of Native American heritage, fostering a deeper understanding of Native cultures and their enduring impact on the nation's identity. It should be noted that, on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 2:00 pm, Orange County will be unveiling of the new bench at the Occaneechi Village in Hillsborough with a placard to honor John Blackfeather Jeffries and his wife, Lynette Coles Jeffries. John Blackfeather Jeffries was widely known as a longtime member and leader of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with approval of the proclamation. ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: