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Special recognition proclaiming November as Indigenous People Heritage Month
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, November is recognized as Indigenous People 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, Indigenous People have honored, protected, and stewarded this land we cherish; and
WHEREAS, for millennia Indigenous People have maintained a powerful spiritual connection to this land, as evidenced by their customs and legends; and
WHEREAS, Indigenous People have remained committed to the protection of this great land, as evidenced by the fact that, on a per capita basis, more Indigenous People 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, Indigenous People 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 Indigenous People in official Federal Government positions, and by leadership of their own sovereign Indigenous People tribes; and
WHEREAS, Indigenous People tribes are resilient and determined to preserve, develop, and transmit to future generations their unique cultural identities; and
WHEREAS, Indigenous People 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, Indigenous People Heritage Month is a time to honor the invaluable ways Indigenous People contribute to the strong diversity within Lake County and help strengthen our communities, culture, and economy; and
WHEREAS, Indigenous People Heritage Month allows the opportunity to increase awareness about the challenges faced and triumphs made by Indigenous People both in the past and present.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOGNIZED, the Lake County Board recognizes November as National Indigenous People Heritage Month and encourages residents to celebrate the diverse and rich cultures, histories, and traditions of Indigenous People and their many contributions to the nation, state, and County.
DATED, at Waukegan, Lake County, Illinois, on October 11, 2022.