Resolution Recognizing November 2023 as National Native American Heritage Month

The San Diego County Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution endorsing November 2023 as National Native American Heritage Month. Resolution 2023-34 reads:

WHEREAS, from Nov. 1 through Nov. 30, the United States celebrates National Native American Heritage Month; and

WHEREAS National Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity to consider and recognize the contributions of Native Americans to the history of the United States; and

WHEREAS Native Americans are descendants of the original, indigenous inhabitants of what is now the United States; and

WHEREAS Native Americans maintain vibrant cultures and traditions and hold a deeply rooted sense of community; and

WHEREAS, Native Americans have moving stories of tragedy, triumph, and perseverance that need to be shared with future generations; and

WHEREAS, Native Americans speak and preserve indigenous languages, which have contributed to the English language by being used as names of individuals and locations throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, Native Americans have made distinct and important contributions to the United States and the rest of the world in many fields, including the fields of agriculture, medicine, music, language, and art; and

WHEREAS, Native Americans have distinguished themselves as inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and scholars; and

WHEREAS the people of the United States have reason to honor the great achievements and contributions of Native Americans and their ancestors; and

WHEREAS, San Diego County has 18 federally recognized American Indian reservations, more than any other county in the nation, and about 2,500 Native American students in the county’s K-12 public schools; and

WHEREAS the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) is working with local school districts to improve the academic experience for Native American students; and

WHEREAS the San Diego County Board of Education and SDCOE are committed to celebrating the history, resilience, and contributions of Indigenous people.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the San Diego County Board of Education recognizes the month of November 2023 as “National Native American Heritage Month.”