P R O C L A M A T I O N
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
WHEREAS, Native American Heritage Month recognizes the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the United States and pays tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans; and WHEREAS, while we celebrate Indigenous peoples past and present, we do so knowing that America has not always delivered on its promise of equal dignity and respect for Native Americans; and WHEREAS, for centuries, broken treaties, dispossession of ancestral lands, and policies of assimilation and termination sought to decimate Native populations and their ways of life; and WHEREAS, despite this painful history, Indigenous peoples, their governments, and their communities have persevered and flourished; and WHEREAS, today, there are many people living in the City of Fort Bragg who identify as Native American; and WHEREAS, Native Americans are teachers, scholars, scientists, doctors, writers, artists, musicians, activists, business leaders, first responders, elected officials, and so much more, making immeasurable contributions to our community; and WHEREAS, the City of Fort Bragg is committed to the values of dignity, inclusivity, and respect for all individuals, regardless of ethnic or national origin, gender, race, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, or immigration status; and WHEREAS, we will advocate for efforts that promote visibility of the rich and diverse Native American cultures, address the tragedies of missing and murdered indigenous peoples, and are committed to teaching our youth the truthful history of this Nation.
NOW, therefore, be it resolved, that I, Bernie Novell, Mayor of the City of Fort Bragg, do hereby proclaim November 2023 to be Native American Heritage Month and urge all Fort Bragg residents to learn more about the people who first called this Nation home— in the spirit of growth, healing, and hope for a better hereafter.
SIGNED this 13th day of November, 2023
BERNIE NORVELL, Mayor
ATTEST:
CRISTAL MUNOZ, Acting City Clerk
No. 18-2023