VT Gov. Phil Scott Issues Executive Proclamation for Native American Heritage Month

We would like to once again offer our appreciation to Vermont Governor Phil Scott, who issued an Executive Proclamation this month on November 9, 2023, for Native American Heritage Month within the State of Vermont. The Proclamation can be seen at this link, and is shared in its entirety below:

State of Vermont

Executive Department

A Proclamation

WHEREAS, November 2023 is recognized as National Native American Heritage Month and offers the opportunity to recognize Indigenous peoples in Vermont and across the country; and

WHEREAS, the State of Vermont includes the land first inhabited and stewarded by indigenous peoples of this region – the Abenaki, the Pennacook, and the Mohican – and acknowledges and honors these members of the community; and

WHEREAS, through Resolution-114 of 2021, Vermont’s Legislature apologized and expressed sorrow for Vermont’s participation in eugenics policies and practices against Indigenous people, as well as other targeted ethnic groups; and

WHEREAS, by acknowledging historical harm, the state has taken important steps toward restorative justice, yet there is still work to be done to advance racial, ethnic and religious freedom and equity for Indigenous people and other marginalized and persecuted groups in the United States and in Vermont; and

WHEREAS, Vermont recognizes the historic, cultural, and contemporary significance of Indigenous peoples all throughout the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, Vermont is committed to ensuring the equal rights and opportunities of all people in our state; and WHEREAS, Vermont also acknowledges the many advances and practices which come from Indigenous teachings including fire management, crop rotation and maple sugaring; and

WHEREAS, the Abenaki have called these lands home for thousands of years, and today Vermont is proud to celebrate the Indigenous peoples of our State and their important, valued and continued heritage.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Philip B. Scott, Governor, hereby proclaim November, 2023 as

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

in Vermont.

Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Vermont on this 9th day of November, A.D. 2023.

Philip B. Scott Governor

Brittney L. Wilson Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs