AGENCY TESTIMONY
Importance of recognizing and celebrating Native American culture in NYC
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96 sec
Commissioner Cumbo emphasizes the growing momentum to recognize and celebrate Native American culture in New York City. She highlights the significant presence of Native Americans in the city and the importance of inclusive efforts.
- Over 180,000 NYC residents identified as having American Indian or Alaska Native ancestry in the most recent census
- Efforts include both symbolic gestures and real investments in indigenous communities
- Art and culture play a crucial role in fostering, preserving, and sharing indigenous identity
Laurie Cumbo
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There has been tremendous momentum in recent years to better recognize and celebrate the native people who lived on this land before Europeans arrived and whose ancestors continue to live here and across the US today.
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Native Americans are a dynamic community here in New York City.
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More than 180,000 city residents identified as having American Indian or Alaska Native ancestry in the most recent census.
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The efforts to be more inclusive of Native American voices and culture include both important symbolic and ceremonial gestures and real investments in indigenous communities that are helping to amplify their voices and reclaim their place in our national narrative.
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There's so much more to be done, and that is why we are here today.
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But following Native American Heritage Month, this is a great moment to take stock of what the cultural community here in New York is doing to uplift the indigenous people of this land, past, present, and future, and how we in city government can better support this work.
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So I'm grateful for you for convening today's hearing.
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Art and culture can do for our indigenous communities what it does for so many others.
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It can help to foster, preserve, and share an identity.
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It can forge community networks, strengthen social bonds, and drive local economies.
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Art can also carve out a space in contemporary society.
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Communicating across the divides that have kept indigenous people unfairly marginalized for generations.
