INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY
2024
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
A PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, on Indigenous Peoples' Day, we honor the perseverance and courage of Indigenous people, express gratitude for the contributions this population has made to our state and nation, and renew the state’s commitment to respect tribal sovereignty and self-determination; and
WHEREAS, Indigenous people, through tribal governments, have preserved their identity, culture, and heritage, which sustained them long before the arrival of European settlers and even before the establishment of the United States government; and
WHEREAS, Indigenous people have faced various forms of genocide, violence, and forced removal from their homelands, and were compelled to assimilate to a different form of life where they were not able to speak their native languages, practice their religion or culture; and
WHEREAS, the United States endorsed the United Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on December 16, 2010, that proclaims Indigenous peoples’ rights to dignity and diversity of their cultures, traditions, histories, and aspirations, which shall be appropriately reflected in education and public information; and
WHEREAS, the state of North Carolina joins a growing number of government entities across the nation in recognizing the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples' Day, urging all people to foster appreciation, reconciliation, understanding, and ongoing partnerships among all individuals and the Indigenous people of this land; 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, the NC General Assembly established in 1971 the NC Commission of Indian Affairs to advocate for state, local, regional, and national resources to support initiatives for American Indians, and in 2021 established the NC American Indian Heritage Commission to preserve and promote American Indian history, arts, customs, and culture throughout the state;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October 14, 2024, as “INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.
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Roy Cooper
Governor
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this fourth day of October in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-four and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.