Lacey celebrates Native Heritage Month

 To reaffirm its commitment to preserve and protect indigenous culture and traditions, the City of Lacey declared the month of November as Native Heritage Month.

During the Lacey City Council meeting on Thu., Nov. 18, the council approved the proclamation which recognizes the Nisqually people of Medicine Creek as the first inhabitants of the city. With this, the city acknowledged the vital role that indigenous people play in nation-building.

The city also offered its respects to the Nisqually people, as Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder encouraged community members to celebrate Native Heritage month with appropriate programs and activities.

In a statement, Nisqually Tribal Council Member Hweqwidi Mccloud thanked the council for its efforts to protect and preserve indigenous culture. “Let me say it is an honor to represent the Nisqually people here tonight,” Mccloud said and, “it really does touch […] us here in the Nisqually with how much, not only with working time but you know the relationships we’ve had and gone through and what we’re looking to the future.”

“Thank you. We are so proud of our relationship and proud to be here on your land and have this relationship that we do,” Ryder said. He added, “It means the world to us that we continue to work together. And I think every month is celebrating our history together.”