Whereas, By celebrating American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, we affirm our commitment to remember those contributions and to honor the unique heritage of our continent's first inhabitants; and,

Whereas, This year's theme, "Sharing pathways to success for our American Indian youth in care," emphasizes the importance of education linkages and workforce development in the safety, permanency, well-being, and cultural preservation of American Indian children, families, and tribes and what their traditional teachings have contributed to the cultural history of our nation; and,

Whereas, This special observance reflects the rich heritage and great influence of American Indian and Alaska native tribal governments as integral parts of the social, political, and economic fabric of Michigan;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 2009 American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month in Michigan.  I encourage all citizens to participate in this observance, thereby fostering the celebration of diversity and keeping strong the rich cultural foundation of our state.