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 and medical care, the recognition also allows the tribes to repatriate remains of their ancestors stored at the Smithsonian. Sponsors strongly believe this corrected a long-standing injustice for tribes that were among the first to greet English settlers in 1607; and
Whereas, the formal recognition of these sovereign governments is a symbol of our ongoing effort to restore self-governance and economic vitality to Native American peoples, and we welcome these tribes in America’s family of sovereign nations; and
Whereas, we have supported tribal colleges and universities and worked to return control of education to tribal nations-to prepare Native youth for the demands of future employment and to promote their own tribal languages and cultures; and
Whereas, through www.NativeOneStop.gov, the United States government has worked to improve coordination and access to federal services throughout Indian Country; and
Whereas, on November 6, 2018, Sharice Davids of Kansas and Deb Haaland of New Mexico were elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, and the 116th Congress, which commences on January 3, 2019, is expected to thus have four Native Americans. When their terms begin, Davids and Haaland will become the first two Native American women with documented tribal ancestry to serve in Congress; and
Whereas, this month, let us celebrate the traditions, languages, and stories of Native Americans and ensure that their rich histories and contributions can thrive with each passing generation.
Now, therefore be it resolved that I, Trish Herrera Spencer, Mayor of the City of Alameda, do hereby proclaim November 2018 as
National Native American Heritage Month
in the City of Alameda, and encourage Alamedans to learn more about the history and rich contributions of Native Americans.
Trish Herrera Spencer
Mayor