There have been countless historic moments in the Old House Chambers over the years. Even the casual observer can sense that as soon as they enter the high-ceilinged room in the State Capitol, gaze at the towering portrait of George Washington, and imagine the robust debate that must have roared over the rows of polished wooden desks.
Another historic moment happened there Wednesday afternoon. Before a packed house of tribal members – including an Alaskan Indian family that recently chose Raleigh as its home – Gov. Bev Perdue formally proclaimed November as American Indian Heritage Month in North Carolina.
Acknowledging the formal ceremony as a first, the Governor took time to read the entire proclamation aloud before signing it with eight pens – one each to represent 
our state-recognized tribes. She also paid tribute to our state’s American Indian service members, whose contributions are acknowledged in this year’s celebration poster, “Honoring the Legacy of Our Warriors.” The handsome image was created by Jayce Williams, the Department of Administration’s talented graphic designer.
As Commission Chairman Paul Brooks observed, it was a privilege to think where we started – as North Carolina’s earliest inhabitants – to where we found ourselves Wednesday, in the center of state government, surrounded by friends and family, and commended by our Governor. See our photo gallery of the ceremony.
North Carolina’s annual tribute American Indian culture and history will continue with the American Indian Heritage Celebration, a free event to be held at the N.C. Museum of History and on the Bicentennial Plaza from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 20. The event will feature dancing, storytelling, craft displays, hands-on activities, music and food. We look forward to seeing you there.
Below: Gov. Perdue with Molly Jacobs, Miss North Carolina Indian Senior Citizen Coalition Princess and Kerry Bird, Program Coordinator for the Teen Tobacco Use Prevention Program of the N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs.
