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Cooper’s proclamation celebrates the history and culture of NC native communities

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Map of North Carolina Native American communities. Courtesy of the NC Commission of Indian Affairs.

Gov. Roy Cooper has proclaimed November as American Indian Heritage Month in North Carolina.

“This month, we take time to honor the culture and history of our American Indian tribes who have been here for generations,” Cooper said.

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This year’s theme is “NC United Tribes – 50 Years of Tribal Unity.” North Carolina has the second-largest American Indian population east of the Mississippi River and the seventh-largest in the United States, making it a vibrant hub for indigenous culture and heritage.

According to the proclamation, the theme acknowledges the 50th anniversary of North Carolina’s efforts to foster unity and support for its more than 130,000 American Indian residents. 

In addition to acknowledging the four urban Indian organizations – Cumberland County Association for Indian People, Triangle Native American Society, Guilford Native American Association, and the Metrolina Native American Association – the following eight state recognized tribes were also highlighted:

According to the proclamation, since being established in 1971 by the N.C. General Assembly, the N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs (NCCIA) has worked alongside the N.C. Department of Administration (NCDOA) to provide resources to American Indian communities in the state, from education and scholarships to health care, housing, and workforce development. 

Pamela Brewington Cashwell, is the secretary of the NCDOA. Identified as the first American Indian woman to head a state cabinet agency, she underscored the importance of recognizing the enduring presence of American Indian communities across the state. 

“It is an honor each year to not only celebrate the traditions and culture of American Indians but also to share our history and heritage with fellow North Carolinians,” Cashwell stated. 

She further expressed that the month “heightens our visibility to let communities know that we are still here as a people and as tribes united.”

To celebrate, special events have been coordinated by the NCCIA, the NC Museum of History, and the N.C. American Indian Heritage Commission. 

The 29th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration is set to kick off with a virtual Education Day on Nov. 22 at 9 a.m., featuring storytelling, pottery, and other indigenous traditions. 

An in-person celebration will also be held on Nov. 23 at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, offering demonstrations and performances showcasing the artistry, customs, and culture of North Carolina’s American Indian tribes. 

Both events are free and open to the public.

For more information about these events, click here to visit the North Carolina Museum of History’s website.