Governor Proclaims Indigenous Peoples' Day 2023

WHEREAS, each year Indigenous Peoples' Day honors and recognizes our nation’s first inhabitants, celebrating their contributions and achievements throughout American history; and

WHEREAS, Indigenous Peoples' Day was first proposed in 1977 by a delegation of Native Nations to the United Nations during an international conference addressing discrimination against Indigenous populations in the Americas; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina joins a growing number of government entities across the United States in recognizing the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples' Day, aiming to foster appreciation, reconciliation, understanding, friendship, and ongoing partnerships among all individuals and the Indigenous peoples of this land; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina’s historical presence of Indigenous people is reflected in the names of numerous lakes, rivers, cities, counties, and schools across the state; and

WHEREAS, the original homeland of Indigenous people within the state of North Carolina is recognized through a formal Indigenous Peoples’ Land Acknowledgement; and

WHEREAS, according to the 2020 U.S. Census, North Carolina is home to over 130,000 American Indians hailing from eight distinct state-recognized tribes including the Coharie, Eastern Band of Cherokee, Haliwa-Saponi, Lumbee, Meherrin, Occaneechi Band of Saponi, Sappony, and Waccamaw Siouan; and

WHEREAS, in 1971, the NC General Assembly established the NC Commission of Indian Affairs, which continues to advocate for state, local, regional, and national resources to support initiatives for American Indians; and

WHEREAS, most recently the NC American Indian Heritage Commission was established by the NC General Assembly to preserve and promote American Indian history, arts, customs, and culture throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina and the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs urge all residents to recognize and celebrate the ongoing presence, contributions, and historical sacrifices that American Indians have made to the state and nation;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2023, as “INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.