Perdue, Bev. Press Release, 2011-11-15, N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs Marks 40 Years of Service

Beverly Eaves Perdue Governor State of North Carolina Office of the Governor 20301 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-0301 Nov. 15,2011 Contact: Chris Mackey Office: (919) 733-5612 N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs Marks 40 Years of Service RALEIGH - Forty years after it was established for “the implementation or continuation of meaningful programs for Indian citizens of the State of North Carolina,” the N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs will celebrate its anniversary with several events this week. The commission’s milestone will be marked at the 1 6th annual American Indian Heritage Celebration on Saturday, Nov. 19, at the N.C. History Museum in downtown Raleigh. “North Carolina’s trailblazing history and economic strength can be traced back to the contributions of our state’s earliest inhabitants,” Gov. Bev Perdue said. “Our Indian communities are committed to maintaining and growing diverse cultures and traditions while boosting community-based economies.” Comprised of representatives of the state’s eight recognized tribes and four urban associations, the Commission will hold its quarterly meeting at 10 a.m. Friday at the N.C. State University Club, 4200 Hillsborough St., Raleigh. A celebration banquet will follow that evening in the Fellowship Hall of the Edenton Street United Methodist Church, 227 W. Edenton St., Raleigh. Additionally, Gov. Perdue has proclaimed November as American Indian Heritage Month in North Carolina and urges “our citizens to recognize and celebrate the many achievements and contributions made by the native inhabitants of North Carolina.” The proclamation specifically honors members of the Coharie, Eastern Band of Cherokee, Haliwa-Saponi, Lumbee, Meherrin, Occaneechi Band of the Saponi, Sappony and Waccamaw-Siouan tribes, and the Cumberland County Association for Indian People, Guilford Native American Association, Metrolina Native American Association and Triangle Native American Society. “North Carolina has set a great example of a true government-to-govemment relationship between the state and its American Indian citizens,” said Greg Richardson, who has worked at