HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 11-16-2021; 4-a - Native American Heritage Month Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: November 16, 2021
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Native American Heritage Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
UNDER SEPARATE COVER Renee A. Price, Chair, 919-245-2130
Proclamation (To Be Provided Prior to or Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board, 919-
at the Meeting) 245-2130
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation recognizing November 2021 Native American Heritage
Month.
BACKGROUND: For thousands of years, various nations of Indigenous Peoples with their own
tribal governments, social organizations and cultural traditions inhabited the lands that are
now known as the United States of America. North Carolina is home to eight state recognized
tribes including the Coharie, Eastern Band of Cherokee, Haliwa-Saponi, Lumbee, Meherrin,
Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, Sappony and Waccamaw-Siouan. The Occaneechi
Band of the Saponi Nation lived in this region now known as Orange County, with their own
social, economic, and political systems.
Native Americans and Alaska Native peoples have struggled and persevered to maintain their
identity and their civilization despite centuries of inhumane and unjust Federal policies focused
on genocide, removal, and forced assimilation. In recognition of this history, President Joseph
R. Biden signed a Presidential Memorandum committing his administration to fulfilling Federal
trust and treaty responsibilities, respecting Tribal self-governance, and consulting with Native
American Nations on policy issues.
On August 3, 1990, President George H. W. Bush declared November as National Native
American Heritage Month. The month is a platform for Native Americans to share their culture,
traditions, arts, and concepts of life, as well as a time for others to celebrate contributions by
Native Americans and honor their influence on the advancement of the United States. The
theme of November 2021 is "Strong Roots in Changing Times" to reflect the resilience of
Native Americans throughout the pandemic and continued preservation of their culture and
traditions.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
2
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or ethnic
background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic status.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board approve the proclamation
recognizing November 2021 as Native American Heritage Month and authorize the Chair to sign.