Governor Roy Cooper Proclaims November as American Indian Heritage Month Proclamation Signing and Reception Held at Executive Mansion on Friday

In honor of American Indian Heritage Month, Governor Roy Cooper today proclaimed November as American Indian Heritage Month in North Carolina.

Leaders from North Carolina’s eight tribes joined Governor Cooper as he signed the proclamation Friday. North Carolina’s eight recognized tribes include the Coharie, Eastern Band of Cherokee, Haliwa-Saponi, Lumbee, Meherrin, Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, Sappony, and Waccamaw-Siouan.

“North Carolina is proud to be the home of the eighth largest American Indian population in the United States and the largest American Indian population east of the Mississippi River,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “We encourage all North Carolinians to join us as we celebrate American Indian culture, traditions, history and the many ways North Carolina’s tribes contribute to the rich diversity of our state.”

Today’s proclamation signing is one of many events that will be held this month to celebrate and help increase awareness of American Indian culture and history.

Click here to view a copy of the proclamation.

On Friday, November 16, student groups from across the state will enjoy storytelling, crafts, games, food, dancing and music from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the North Carolina Museum of History for American Indian Heritage Education Day.

On Saturday, November 17 the museum will host the 23rd Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. North Carolinians are invited to attend to listen to American Indian music, hear storytellers and watch dancers and artists perform on the Raleigh Bicentennial Plaza. Members of all eight state-recognized tribes will share their history and culture during this popular festival. A complete schedule of events can be found on the North Carolina Museum of History website.

The American Indian Heritage Celebration, which is regarded as the museum’s largest annual event, is coordinated by the N.C. Department of Administration’s Commission of Indian Affairs, the N.C. Museum of History, American Indian tribes and local organizations. To learn more about North Carolina’s first inhabitants, visit the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs website for details.