RESOLUTION NO. 8565
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA, PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2025 AS “NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH” IN HAWTHORNE.
 

Staff Recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 8565.
 

In 1915, Red Fox James, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, rode across the nation on horseback seeking approval from 24 state governments to have a day to honor indigenous peoples. Although he presented the resolutions to the White House on Dec. 14, 1915, the Library of Congress reports that there is no record of such a day ever being proclaimed. The following year in 1916, New York became the first state to declare an “American Indian Day” to acknowledge the many contributions and achievements of Native peoples. In 1986, Congress called upon President Ronald Regan to designate the week of November 22-28, 1987, as “American Indian Week.” In 1990, President George H.W. Bush officially approved a joint resolution proclaiming November as “National American Indian Heritage Month,” commonly referred to as Native American Heritage Month or American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. Similar proclamations have been issued every year since 1994.

Throughout history, Indigenous Peoples have faced violence and devastation that has tested their limits.  For generations, it was the shameful policy of the United States to remove Indigenous Peoples from their homelands; force them to assimilate; and ban them from speaking their own languages, passing down ancient traditions, and performing sacred ceremonies. Countless lives were lost, precious lands were taken, and their way of life was forever changed.  In spite of unimaginable loss and seemingly insurmountable odds, Indigenous Peoples have survived, persisted, continue to be an integral part of the fabric of the community.

America is a vast land of many cultures dating back thousands of years to the original inhabitants of the land. History, heritage, and culture of the Indigenous Communities is an integral part of communities across the country. Los Angeles County is home to more Native American/Alaska Natives than any other county across the United States. The County sits on unceded territory of the Chumash, Tongva, and Tataviam. 

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. It is also an opportunity to educate the public about the Indigenous People across the United States. This month is often celebrated with community gatherings and festivals and government and educational activities. Several federal agencies, including the National Archives, National Endowment for the Humanities, Library of Congress, and National Park Service acknowledge and celebrate this month through various methods. They collect special educational resources and historical documents, share history and heritage through special events and exhibitions, and feature cultural resources and sites that are significant to the indigenous communities.

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