Dated: November 13, 2024
RECOGNIZING 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, Native American Awareness Week began in 1976 and recognition was expanded by Congress and approved by President George Bush in August 1990, designating the month of November as National Native American 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, in honor of National Native American Heritage Month, we encourage our community to 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 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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James Coleman, Mayor
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Eddie Flores, Vice Mayor
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Mark Addiego, Councilmember
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Mark Nagales, Councilmember
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Buenaflor Nicolas, Councilmember