Native American Heritage Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, Native Americans have lived on the land now known as Virginia for thousands of years, contributing to its rich history and culture; and

WHEREAS, Virginia proudly acknowledges the 11 state-recognized Indian tribes that call Virginia home: the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway), Chickahominy, Eastern Chickahominy, Mattaponi, Monacan, Nansemond, Nottoway, Pamunkey, Patawomeck, Rappahannock, and the Upper Mattaponi; and

WHEREAS, thousands of Native Americans from tribes across the nation have made Virginia their home, adding to the Commonwealth’s diversity and vibrancy; and

WHEREAS, Virginia’s Native American community enhances the Commonwealth with its cultural traditions and dedication to environmental stewardship; and

WHEREAS, Virginia has a long history of recognizing Native American contributions, starting with American Indian Day in 1987, expanding to a week in 1988, and evolving into Native American Indian Month in 1996, with a special Day of Appreciation on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving; and

WHEREAS, Native American Heritage Month is a time to honor and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Native American Indians in Virginia, who enrich our cultural fabric and strengthen the Spirit of Virginia;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize November 2024, as NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations