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Special recognition proclaiming November as National Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month.
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, November is recognized as National Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month, which honors the contributions, achievements, sacrifices, and cultural and historical legacy of the original inhabitants of what is now the United States, and their descendants; and
WHEREAS, for millennia, Native Americans and Alaska Natives have honored, protected, and stewarded this land we cherish; and
WHEREAS, for millennia Native Americans and Alaska Natives have maintained a powerful spiritual connection to this land, as evidenced by their customs and legends; and
WHEREAS, Native Americans and Alaska Natives have remained committed to the protection of this great land, as evidenced by the fact that, on a per capita basis, more Native Peoples have served in the United States Armed Forces and placed themselves in harm’s way in defense of the United States in every major military conflict than any other ethnic group; and
WHEREAS, Native American tribes have actively influenced the public life of the United States by continued cooperation with Congress and the Department of the Interior, through the involvement of Native individuals in official Federal Government positions, and by leadership of their own sovereign Native American tribes; and
WHEREAS, Native American tribes are resilient and determined to preserve, develop, and transmit to future generations their unique cultural identities; and
WHEREAS, Native Americans and Alaska Natives have had a great and lasting influence on our County through their countless contributions to language, art, entertainment, agriculture, ecology, government, and the military; and
WHEREAS, National Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month is a time to honor the invaluable ways Native Americans and Alaska Natives contribute to the strong diversity within Lake County and help strengthen our communities, culture, and economy; and
WHEREAS, National Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month allows the opportunity to increase awareness about the challenges faced and triumphs made by Native Americans and Alaska Natives both in the past and present.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOGNIZED, the Lake County Board recognizes November as National Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month and encourages residents to celebrate the diverse and rich cultures, histories, and traditions of Native Americans and Alaska Natives and their many contributions to the nation, state, and County.
DATED, at Waukegan, Lake County, Illinois, on November 9, 2021.