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Somerville proclaims November Native American Heritage Month; Cherokee elder presents ceremonial gift
Summary
Mayor Brian Gallagher read a proclamation recognizing November 2025 as Native American Heritage Month; Harold Willard accepted the proclamation and presented a handmade deer‑skin pouch and remarks about Cherokee traditions.
Mayor Brian Gallagher read a proclamation declaring November 2025 as Native American Heritage Month in the borough of Somerville and encouraged residents to learn about and honor Indigenous traditions and contributions.
Harold Willard accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Cherokee people and other indigenous inhabitants of New Jersey and the United States. Willard described the ceremonial pouch he presented to the mayor, explained the symbolism of the wolf clan and the beaded buffalo elements, and described tobacco’s sacred role in prayer and ceremony.
"I wanna thank you for presenting this proclamation to me as representing indigenous peoples of this state and of this nation," Willard said, and then explained the cultural meaning of the pouch and its components before presenting the item to the mayor.
Mayor Gallagher thanked Willard and said the gift would be displayed in his office. The council expressed appreciation for Willard’s remarks and the ceremonial presentation.
