HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 11-18-2025; 4-a - Native American Heritage Month Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: November 18, 2025
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Native American Heritage Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Office of Civil Rights and Civic
Life
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Paul Slack, Chief Civil Rights Officer,
(919) 245-2317
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation recognizing November 2025 as Native American
Heritage Month.
BACKGROUND: Native American Heritage Month, observed each November, honors the
history, culture, and contributions of Native American and Indigenous peoples, acknowledging
their significant influence on the formation and development of the United States. This observance
recognizes the perseverance and resilience of Native peoples who have maintained their identity
and traditions despite centuries of hardship, including forced removal, assimilation, and systemic
injustices.
This month-long recognition highlights the diversity of Native nations, languages, customs, and
histories across the United States, which includes the eight state-recognized tribes of North
Carolina. The Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, whose ancestral homeland includes what
is now Orange County, continue to be an integral part of the County's cultural and historical fabric.
Native Americans have contributed greatly to the advancement of the United States, from
environmental stewardship and land care to their roles in government, education, the arts, and
military service — including the famed Native American Code Talkers who served with distinction
in World Wars I and 11.
Native American Heritage Month serves as an opportunity for all communities to learn about and
celebrate Indigenous cultures, traditions, and enduring contributions. It calls upon residents to
engage in programs, ceremonies, and educational activities that honor Native American heritage,
while fostering a shared commitment to freedom, peace, and justice for all.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with approval of the proclamation.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GOAL 5: PUBLIC EDUCATION/ LEARNING COMMUNITY
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OBJECTIVE 1. Foster collaborative relationships with formal and informal educational
organizations and agencies to provide opportunities for community members to meet,
connect, and learn together.
• GOAL 6: DIVERSE AND VIBRANT ECONOMY
OBJECTIVE 1: Provide family-oriented and inclusive programming or other cultural events
for residents and visitors.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the proclamation.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, for millennia, various nations of Indigenous Peoples with their own tribal
governments, social organizations and cultural traditions had inhabited the lands, now the United
States of America; and
WHEREAS, 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; and
WHEREAS, the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, having their own social, economic, and
political systems, made their home in this region now known as Orange County; and
WHEREAS, in the 18' century, the United States of America was founded on a purported
concept that all people are created equal, yet Native Americans and Indigenous people have
struggled and persevered to maintain their identity and their civilization despite centuries of
inhumane and unjust Federal policies focused on genocide, removal, and compulsory
assimilation; and
WHEREAS, Native Americans have served and continue to serve in the Armed Forces —
including the Native American Code Talkers in World War I and World War II — defending the
United States and continue to serve at a higher rate than any other ethnic group in the Nation;
and
WHEREAS, the United States government has now apologized for the federal government's role
in running boarding schools for Native American children, intending to force Native American
children to assimilate into Euro-American culture, while also breaking family and community
bonds and undermining tribal sovereignty within Indigenous societies, with former President
Biden calling the boarding schools a "sin on our soul"; and
WHEREAS, on August 3, 1990, then-President George H. W. Bush declared November as
National American Indian Heritage Month with a landmark bill honoring the Tribal People of
America, which began in 1976, when Jerry C. Elliott-High Eagle, a Cherokee/Osage Indian,
authored Native American Awareness Week legislation; and
WHEREAS, National Native American Heritage 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
the numerous contributions of Native Americans and honor their influence on the advancement
of the United States;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim
November 2025 as NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, and urge all residents to observe
this month by participating in activities and ceremonies, to celebrate November 28, 2025 as
Native American Heritage Day and to honor the cultures and contributions of Native Americans
by committing to freedom, peace, and justice for all.
This 18t" day of November, 2025.
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners