STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 
Proclamation

Whereas, New Yorkers join to recognize the contributions and significant role that Native Americans, as the original inhabitants of this state and nation, have in our history and in the development of our society; and

Whereas, all Americans are beneficiaries of the rich cultural heritage of the Native American populations that live in this state and nation; and

Whereas, in the earliest years in our country’s history, Native Americans shared their knowledge and skills with settlers which enabled them to survive some of the harshest circumstances and extreme weather conditions on the continent; and

Whereas, these early settlers interacted with Indian Nations, establishing an association that remains a basis of the contemporary relationship between our state and regional Indian Nations, which are recognized to be living institutions; and

Whereas, throughout the month of November, we commemorate the valuable and longstanding relationship New Yorkers have with the Native American communities by holding appropriate programs and activities that exemplify our enduring respect for their place in history;

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby recognize November 2009 as

NATIVE AMERICAN MONTH

in the Empire State.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this twenty-sixth day of October in the year two thousand nine.

David A. Paterson
Governor