Alpine County is using Native American Heritage Month to recognize Indigenous history and leadership while emphasizing the importance of making voting accessible to every eligible voter.
The Board of Supervisors has proclaimed November 2026 as Native American Heritage Month, adopting a resolution that recognizes the contributions of Native communities and reaffirms the county's commitment to equitable voting access and civic participation.
The proclamation was presented in connection with Election Day on Nov. 3 and recognizes the 102nd anniversary of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, which granted U.S. citizenship to Native Americans. However, citizenship did not immediately mean equal access to the ballot, as Native Americans continued to face barriers to exercising their voting rights.
The resolution also recognizes the longstanding presence of Indigenous communities in the region, including the Washoe people, who have inhabited and cared for the lands that are now Alpine County since time immemorial, long before the United States was established.
As the country approaches its 250th anniversary, the county says Native American participation in elections remains important in shaping decisions involving tribal sovereignty, land stewardship, cultural preservation, education, and rural communities.
The resolution also acknowledges challenges that can make voting more difficult for Native Americans, including geographic isolation, limited transportation, and barriers to accessing election services.
Recognizing Native leadership in Alpine County
The proclamation highlights Native American representation within Alpine County's government, including the County Clerk and Registrar of Voters Office.
According to the resolution, two of the office's three employees are Native American, including elected County Clerk Teola Tremayne, who is Western Shoshone.
The county also recognized the service of two retired Native American sheriffs, noting the role Native leaders have played in local public institutions.
Tremayne said protecting voting rights and ensuring equal access to elections remain important priorities.
"The right to vote must be protected, promoted, and accessible to every eligible voter. During Native American Heritage Month, we honor Native communities' history, resilience, and leadership while reaffirming our commitment to ensuring that Native voters have full and equal access to participate in our democracy. Every voice deserves to be heard."
The resolution reaffirms the Board of Supervisors' commitment to maintaining election integrity while ensuring eligible voters, particularly those from historically underrepresented communities, have fair access to participate.
The county says Native American Heritage Month is also an opportunity for residents and visitors to recognize the generations of Native peoples who have shaped the region, celebrate their continued contributions, and acknowledge the importance of Native leadership in Alpine County's future.
