American Indian Heritage Month

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper Proclaims (Annual) November to be American Indian Heritage Month

The declaration cites numerous historical facts, including acknowledgement that “American Indians are the original inhabitants of North Carolina, having lived here for more than 12,000 years;” mention of the eight American Indian tribes recognized by the state – the Cohaire, the Eastern band of Cherokee, the Haliwa-Saponi, the Lumbee, the Meherrin, the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, the Sappony, and the Waccamaw-Siouan; recognition of the contribution of American Indian tribes to the state’s “rich and diverse culture, traditions, and history” and the continued challenges faced by American Indians.

American Indian Heritage Month Celebration

Musicians, dancers, artists, storytellers, and authors from North Carolina’s eight state-recognized tribes will gather for this popular family event. Named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society in 2017, the Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration offers something for all ages and gives a firsthand opportunity to learn about the state’s American Indian culture (with a population of over 100,000), past and present. Activities include craft demonstrations, hands-on activities, games, foods, and much more.

About the North Carolina Museum of History

The N.C. Museum of History is located at 5 E. Edenton Street in downtown Raleigh. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. The museum collects and preserves artifacts of North Carolina history and educates the public on the history of the state and the nation through exhibits and educational programs. Each year more than 300,000 people visit the museum to see some of the 150,000 artifacts in the museum collection. The Museum of History, within the Division of State History Museums, is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.