Gov. Roy Cooper (D-N.C.) has officially declared November as "American Indian Heritage Month," celebrating the rich history and cultural heritage of North Carolina's eight state-recognized tribes. "Gov. Cooper has proclaimed November as American Indian Heritage Month", stated the Governor's office.
To mark American Indian Heritage Month, the NC Commission of Indian Affairs is working in collaboration with the NC Museum of History and the NC American Indian Heritage Commission, alongside North Carolina's American Indian tribes and urban organizations. This partnership aims to organize a weekend of special events as detailed in an article by OBX Times. The 28th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration will begin with a virtual Education Day on Nov. 17 at 9 a.m., featuring activities such as storytelling and pottery. On Nov. 18, the celebration will continue in person at the North Carolina Museum of History where visitors can enjoy demonstrations and performances showcasing the artistry, traditions, and culture of North Carolina's American Indian tribes.
In addition to planning festivities, The Commission of Indian Affairs within the NC Department of Administration has been serving as a resource hub for Native residents for over half a century according to OBX Times. Established by the NC General Assembly in 1971, it has provided valuable information on housing, educational opportunities, scholarships, healthcare and workforce development for American Indian communities. As part of this year’s theme for American Indian Heritage Month: "Many Tribes, One People," they continue their commitment to delivering local, state, and federal resources to support and advocate for North Carolina's American Indian population.
This month-long commemoration acknowledges not just North Carolina’s eight officially recognized tribes but also pays tribute to four urban Indian organizations according to a report from Governor NC Gov. These eight tribes include Coharie, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Haliwa-Saponi Indians; Lumbee Tribe; Meherrin Nation; Occaneechi Band Of The Saponi Nation; Sappony; and Waccamaw-Siouan Indians. The urban Indian organizations consist of the Cumberland County Association for Indian People, the Guilford Native American Association, Metrolina Native American Association, and Triangle Native American Society.
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