Valley Water is paying tribute to the rich culture, traditions, and contributions of first Americans, indigenous, aboriginal, and Native American communities. On Tuesday, November 9, 2021, the Valley Water Board of Directors adopted a resolution declaring November as Native American Heritage Month, in accordance with the federal designation.
The first formal effort to recognize indigenous peoples was made by the Congress of the American Indian Association in 1915, with the State of New York issuing the first official proclamation in 1916. Starting in 1990, U.S. Presidents began issuing annual proclamations declaring November as National Native American Heritage Month.
Valley Water recognizes that to meet our mission to provide safe, clean water to Silicon Valley for a healthy life, environment, and economy, we operate from the ancestral lands of the Ohlone peoples. Santa Clara County is part of the ancestral lands of several tribes and bands, including the current-day Tamien Nation, Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area, and the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band.
Valley Water is committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and environmental justice within our agency and the communities we serve. November offers us an opportunity to reflect and honor the proud and painful history, rich traditions and diverse tribal cultures that persist and thrive.
To find out whose ancestral lands you stand on, visit: https://native-land.ca/.
Valley Water News 