Title
Proclamation Declaring November 2018 as National Native American Heritage Month. (City Manager 2110) [Not heard on November 7, 2018]
Body
Proclamation
Whereas, National American Indian Heritage Month originated in 1986 when President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the week of November 23-30, 1986, as "American Indian Week." In 1990, President George W. Bush designated the month of November 1990 as the first "National American Indian Heritage Month." The month of November was chosen as American Indians concluded the traditional harvest season in November, and November was a time of thanksgiving and celebration for the American Indians; and
Whereas, the first Americans, Native Americans, have helped shape the future of the United States through every turn of our history; and
Whereas, this month, we also recognize the immeasurable contribution of American Indians and Alaska Natives who serve in the Armed Forces at five times the national average, as well as those serving as members of federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement sacrificing their safety for the security of all; and
Whereas, over our long shared history, there have been too many unfortunate chapters of pain and tragedy, discrimination and injustice; and
Whereas, throughout their lives, 84 percent of American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls will experience some form of violence, and in 2013, President Obama signed the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which allows tribes to prosecute non-Native individuals who commit acts of domestic violence in Indian Country; and
Whereas, earlier this year, the President granted federal recognition to six Indian tribes in Virginia, formally recognizing their place in U.S. history. The change in status affects the 4,400 members of the Chickahominy, the Eastern Chickahominy, the Upper Mattaponi, the Rappahannock, the Monacan and the Nansemond Tribes. In addition to making federal dollars available for housing, education an...
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