Governor Bill Richardson Proclaims November "American Indian Heritage Month"
Press Release
Governor Bill Richardson Proclaims November "American Indian Heritage Month"
Governor Bill Richardson has signed a proclamation declaring the month of
November "American Indian Heritage Month" throughout the State of New Mexico. The Proclamation honors the generations of American Indians who have so greatly enriched the culture and character of New Mexico.
"New Mexico owes so much of our storied history, rich diversity and cherished traditions to the state's first citizens," Governor Richardson said. "This month is an opportunity for us all to celebrate the accomplishments, ancestry and heritage of our 22 tribes, nations and pueblos."
Text of the Proclamation follows:
WHEREAS, in 1990, President George H.W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 as "National American Indian Heritage Month"; and
WHEREAS, similar proclamations have been issued each year since 1994; and
WHEREAS, National American Indian Heritage Month is celebrated to recognize the intertribal cultures and to educate the public about the heritage, history, art and traditions of the American Indian people; and
WHEREAS, National American Indian Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor the many contributions of American Indians and to recognize the strong and living traditions of the first people to call our land home; and
WHEREAS, American Indians continue to shape our Nation by preserving the heritage of their ancestors and by contributing to the rich diversity that is our country's strength. Their dedicated efforts to honor their proud heritage have helped others gain a deeper understanding of the vibrant and ancient customs of the Native American community; and
WHEREAS, the State of New Mexico benefits greatly from the 22 tribes, nations and pueblos that have been here since time immemorial and the more than 205,000 Native Americans that call New Mexico home; and
WHEREAS, for this reason, I was proud to sign a Statement of Policy and Process with the tribal leaders in 2003 that recognizes and respects the sovereignty of each tribe, commits my Administration to working with them on a government-to-government basis and underscores the importance of promoting equitable and efficient allocation of governmental authority, services and resources among all state citizens, including Native Americans; and
WHEREAS, it is important for every New Mexican to visit our tribal communities and learn more about the vibrant cultures, languages, and histories of the Native Americans in New Mexico as well as their ongoing efforts to further strengthen their tribal governments, economies and infrastructure.
NOW, THEREFORE I, Bill Richardson, Governor of the State of New Mexico, do hereby proclaim November 2008 as:
"American Indian Heritage Month" throughout the State of New Mexico.
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