Inclusion of Indigenous People in the City of Mebane Plans

MEBANE CITY COUNCIL

We, the undersigned members of Alamance, Caswell, and Orange Counties with Indigenous ancestry, and our allies, respectfully present this petition with the intent of achieving two critical objectives:

  1. Inclusion in Decision-Making Processes: We urge the City Council to prioritize including Indigenous communities in all future projects and initiatives that alter the natural landscape within present-day Alamance and Orange Counties. Our ancestral lands hold deep cultural and historical significance, and our voices must be represented in decisions affecting them.

  2. Recognition of Historical and Cultural Contributions: We seek formal acknowledgment of our historical and cultural heritage in areas already developed without considering the rich ancestral history they embody. This recognition is essential for preserving and honoring our people's legacy.

We trust that these goals will foster greater collaboration, respect, and awareness of Indigenous communities' invaluable contributions and significance in shaping the history and future of Alamance, Caswell, and Orange Counties.

Sponsored by
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7 Directions of Service
, NC

To: MEBANE CITY COUNCIL
From: [Your Name]

As members and allies of the Indigenous communities who reside in Alamance, Caswell, and Orange Counties, we respectfully address you to voice our concerns and aspirations regarding the development and preservation of our ancestral lands. Our message centers on two primary requests:

Inclusion in Future Development Projects:

We seek to establish a collaborative relationship between the City Council and our Indigenous communities. Specifically, we request formal inclusion in discussions and decision-making processes for all future development or alterations to the natural landscape in Mebane and the surrounding areas. These lands hold immense cultural, historical, and spiritual significance to us, and our perspectives are vital in ensuring that developments respect and honor this legacy.

Recognition of Indigenous Heritage:

For areas already developed, we ask for visible acknowledgment of the Indigenous history and culture connected to these spaces. This could include signage, historical markers, or educational programs highlighting the contributions and experiences of the Indigenous peoples who first stewarded these lands.

Why This Matters:

The lands surrounding Mebane are part of the Trading Path, a historic route traversed by Indigenous peoples, including the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation. These lands have been places of trade, community, and cultural exchange for generations. Recognizing this history is about honoring the past and building a more inclusive and equitable future that respects all who call this area home.

Our Request:

We ask that the Council:

Establish a formal mechanism for Indigenous consultation in land-use planning and development.

Commit to identifying and preserving historically significant areas within Mebane.

Partner with local Indigenous communities to create educational initiatives and cultural programming highlighting our shared history.

By working together, we can create a future that honors and uplifts our community's rich history while fostering growth that respects the environment and cultural heritage.

Thank you for your time; we look forward to collaborating with you.