Dated: November 8, 2023
RECOGNITION OF NOVEMBER AS NATIONAL
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
WHEREAS, long before European explorers set foot on the North American continent, this great land was cultivated and cherished by generations of Native Americans; and
WHEREAS, the first American Indian Day was celebrated in May 1916 in New York, culminating an effort by Red Fox James, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, who rode across the nation on horseback seeking approval from 24 state governments to have a day to honor “American Indians”; and
WHEREAS, it was not until seven decades later in 1990 that President George H.W. Bush signed a joint congressional resolution designating the month of November “National American Indian Heritage Month,”; and
WHEREAS, we celebrate the 574 federally recognized tribes in the United States and the 9.7 million Native American and Alaska Natives for their contributions to the rich cultural tapestry of the United States; and
WHEREAS, this month, we especially recognize the valuable contribution of the hundreds of thousands of American Indians and Alaska Natives who serve in the Armed Forces at five times the national average, greater than any group in the United States; and WHEREAS, we celebrate the contributions of Elouise Cobell, who fought for Native American rights in land and resource management, and Wilma Mankiller, the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, who exemplify determination and leadership within Native American communities; and
WHEREAS, during National Native American Heritage Month we celebrate the rich history, the generosity, and the extensive contributions, both historical and current, of our indigenous people and we recognize their stories as inextricably woven into the history of this county and city.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Mayor Buenaflor Nicolas and the City Council of the City of South San Francisco remain committed to preserving and protecting Native American cultures, languages, and history, while ensuring prosperity and opportunity for all Native Americans.
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Buenaflor Nicolas, Mayor
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Mark Nagales, Vice Mayor
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Mark Addiego, Councilmember
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James Coleman, Councilmember
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Eddie Flores, Councilmember