AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH

Resolution - WHEREAS, the richness of American culture is deeply rooted in the diverse histories and innumerable accomplishments of American Indians. WHEREAS, American Indians were the first Americans and each American today experiences the legacy of native invention in the crops that feed us, the medicines that cure us and the tools that help us. WHEREAS, American Indians, primarily the Tongva, Chumash, and Tataviam peoples, occupied the Los Angeles region for thousands of years before the coming of outside settlers, and these First People live here still. WHEREAS, the United States and Los Angeles continues to be influenced by the contributions of America's first peoples to science, art, music, history and our national prosperity. WHEREAS, American Indian history has been a story sometimes of strife, but always of strength. WHEREAS, the United States government on the level of city, state and nation, has not always accorded American Indian Peoples the respect demanded by history and guaranteed by law. WHEREAS, the federal government first formally designated the month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month in 1990, in a joint resolution authored by Senator John Kerr of Massachusetts and signed by President George H.W. Bush. WHEREAS, Los Angeles is home to the largest urban American Indian population across the nation. WHEREAS, the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission this year celebrates 30 years of existence in representing the Los Angeles American Indian community. WHEREAS, Los Angeles has been able to preserve and promote it's rich American Indian culture through the community work of local organizations several of whom are sponsoring events this coming month. WHEREAS, by proclaiming November American Indian Heritage Month we pay special tribute to our American Indian culture. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that by adoption of this resolution, the Mayor and Los Angeles City Council, do hereby proclaim the month of November 2006 as "American Indian Heritage Month" in the City of Los Angeles, and further encourage the promotion of continued positive interaction among our residents of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Garcetti Mover 2006 / Zine - All Councilmembers