DAR representatives witnessing Mayor Troy Trulock proclaiming November as Native American Indian Heritage Month were Wilma Stone, front from left, Huntsville regent; Melvina Phillips, Hunt’s Spring vice regent; Trulock; Stephany Wingard, Maple Hill regent; and Penny Sumners, Twickenham Town regent. Chapter chairmen of American Indian committees are Nancy Campbell, back from left, Huntsville; Patsy Faulk, Twickenham Town; and Susan Elrod, Twickenham. (CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – Madison Mayor Troy Trulock joined the four area chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in supporting November as Native American Indian Heritage Month.

Local DAR representatives joined Trulock for his signing of the city proclamation for the month’s observance.

In 1991, Congress passed Senate Joint Resolution 172 that authorizes and requests the U.S. President to proclaim November as “National American Indian Heritage” month, DAR public relations chairperson Nancy W. Van Valkenburgh said. In subsequent years, all presidents have made the proclamation.

“Madison County is the former hunting grounds for the Cherokee and Creek nations, even into the early 1800s. Many of their descendants still live here,” Van Valkenburgh said. “The DAR would like to see them honored in this area.”

Representatives attended the proclamation from the four local chapters, including Hunts’ Spring, Huntsville, Maple Hill and Twickenham Town. Patsy Battles Faulk, chairman of the DAR American Indian Committee, coordinated the recognition events, assisted by Penny Sumners, regent of the Twickenham Chapter.

In his proclamation, Trulock cited the influence of American Indians and indigenous peoples on the history and culture of the United States. “The contributions of American Indians have enhanced the freedom, prosperity and greatness of America today,” Trulock said.

“Native American Awareness Week began in 1976 and recognition was expanded by Congress and approved by President George Bush in August 1990, designating the month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month,” Trulock said.

Founded in 1890,  The DAR has headquarters in Washington D.C. and is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and securing America’s future through better education for children.

For more information, visit dar.org.