Board Resolution Recognizes California Native American Day

The San Diego County Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution at its September 2022 meeting honoring and recognizing California Native American Day. Resolution 2022-18 reads:

WHEREAS, the Native American experience is central to the American story, being the first people to live on the land we all cherish and having profoundly shaped our country's character and our cultural heritage; and

WHEREAS, from generation to generation, Native Americans handed down invaluable cultural knowledge and rich traditions, which continue to thrive in Native American communities across our nation today; and

WHEREAS, since the earliest days of our republic, Native Americans have played a vital role in our country’s freedom and security, having served in all branches of America’s armed forces; and

WHEREAS Native Americans are leaders in every aspect of our society – from the classroom to the boardroom, to the battlefield; and

WHEREAS Native Americans make up the ranks of both our district’s certificated and classified staff as well as our student population; and

WHEREAS Native American and Alaska Native tribal governments are an integral part of social, political, and economic fabric of the United States; and

WHEREAS California is home to more than 100 federally recognized Indian tribes, San Diego County features the largest number of tribes and reservations of any county in the United States; and

WHEREAS, tribal America has brought to this great country certain values and ideas that have become ingrained in the American spirit: the knowledge that humans can thrive and prosper without destroying the natural environment; the understanding that people from different backgrounds, cultures, religions, and traditions can come together to build a great country; and the awareness that diversity can be a source of strength, rather than division; and

WHEREAS, while we pay tribute to Native American achievements, we must also acknowledge the parts of our shared history that have been marred by violence and tragic mistreatment; and

WHEREAS, for centuries, Native Americans faced cruelty, injustice, and broken promises; and

WHEREAS our tribal communicates face stark realities, including disproportionately high rates of poverty, unemployment, crime, and disease; and

WHEREAS San Diego County is home to more than 2,456 students who identify as Native American or California Indian, and the San Diego County Board of Education is committed to improving the academic and social-emotional outcomes for Native American students and all students in the region, and

NOW, BE IT RESOLVED, that the San Diego County Office of Education does hereby proclaim September 23, 2022, as California Native American Day.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 14th day of September 2022 at the regular meeting of the San Diego County Board of Education.