HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2016-135 Indigenous Peoples' Day Proclamation RESOLUTION NO. 2016 -135
A RESOLUTION declaring the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples' Day in
the City of Yakima, encouraging other cities and institutions to also
recognize this new designation; and reaffirming the City's commitment to
promote respect for, and understanding of, the region's American Indian
and Indigenous community, their long history, and their continuing
contribution to contemporary society
WHEREAS, the City of Yakima recognizes that the community of Yakima was built upon
territory settled and inhabited by members of the Yakama Nation; and
WHEREAS, the City of Yakima values the historic and contemporary contributions made
to this community by all of our past and present Indigenous Peoples, and
WHEREAS, the City of Yakima affirms its opposition to the long legacy of racism towards
Indigenous Peoples, which has subjected them to social inequities and hardships, and recognizes
their resilience and enduring spirit; and
WHEREAS, the City of Yakima supports national and state policies and practices intended
to help close the equity gap for Indigenous Peoples through greater understanding and
appreciation of their collective experiences and by honoring their collective contribution to our
history and national character; and
WHEREAS, Indigenous Peoples Day was first proposed in 1977 by a delegation of Native
Nations to the United Nations sponsored International Conference on Discrimination Against
Indigenous Populations in the Americas, and
WHEREAS, the City of Yakima aspires to protect and promote human rights, as set forth
in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and numerous other international human rights
treaties, and to do so in a spirit of mutual friendship and respect; THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA:
The City of Yakima strongly supports the proposition that Indigenous Peoples' Day shall be an
opportunity to celebrate the thriving cultures and values of the Indigenous Peoples of the region;
affirms that it is City policy to participate in Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations and activities,
and commits to work cooperatively with local Tribes, groups, and citizens
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL THIS 1st day of November, 2016.
.athy offey ' or
ATTEST: /7r j ,1
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Sonya Claa ?fee, City Clerk ) / ..
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BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 13.
For Meeting of: November 1, 2016
ITEM TITLE: Proclamation and resolution recognizing the second Monday in
October as Indigenous Peoples' Day in the City of Yakima
SUBMITTED BY: Cliff Moore, City Manager
Jeff Cutter, City Attorney
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
In response to Council direction, staff has prepared a proclamation and resolution to recognize
the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples' Day.
ITEM BUDGETED: NA
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
APPROVED FOR
SUBMITTAL: City Manager
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Issue proclamation and adopt resolution.
BOARD /COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Upload Date Type
❑ proc 10/27/2016 Coker Memo
❑ resolution 10/25/2016 Resolution
CITY O F (AKIMA
P1ROCLA 914 ATI0 9V
man/4s, the City of Yakima recognizes that the Indigenous People of the lands
that would later become known as the Americas have occupied these lands since time
immemorial and
PI' IEREAS, the City recognizes the fact that the City of Yakima is built upon the
homelands and villages of the Indigenous Peoples of this region and
ZL'3f?EREAS, the City recognizes the value of many contributions made to our
community through Indigenous Peoples' knowledge, labor, spirituality, technology, science,
philosophy, arts and the deep cultural contribution that substantially shaped the character of
(Yakima; and
WJPERMS, the City of Yakima has a responsibility to oppose the systematic racism
towards Indigenous Peoples in the Vnited States, which has contributed to high rates of
poverty and income inequality, eNacer6ates disproportionate health, education, and social
stability; and
P1'W E REAS, the City of Yakima promotes the closing of the equity gap for Indigenous
Peoples through policies and practices that reflect the experiences of Indigenous Peoples,
ensuring greater access and opportunity, and honoring our nation's Indigenous history and
contributions; and
WJ E EAS, Indigenous Peoples' Day was first proposed in 1977 by a delegation of
Native Nations to the 'United Nations sponsored International Conference on Discrimination
against Indigenous Populations in the Americas; and
PV7LERMS, the 'United States endorsed the 'United Nations Declaration of the Rights
of Indigenous Peoples (the "Declaration') on December 16, 2010, and the Declaration
recognizes that "indigenous peoples have sufferedfrom historic injustices as a result of inter
alai, their colonization and dispossession of their lands, territories and resources "; and
'r4 IEREAS, Article 15 of the Declaration recognizes the right of Indigenous Peoples
"to the dignity and diversity of their cultures, traditions, histories and aspirations which shall
be appropriately reflected in education and public information" and places an obligation on
State to "take effective measures, in consultation and cooperation with the indigenous peoples
concerned, to combat prejudice and eliminate discrimination and to promote tolerance,
understanding andgood relations among indigenous peoples and all other segments of society";
and
WJPERMS, the City of Yakima firmly commits to promoting the well -being and
growth of the ' Yakama Nation and Indigenous community; encourages the Yakima Public
Schools to include the teaching of Indigenous Peoples' history; and encourages other businesses,
organizations, and public institutions to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day;
NOW rI EREEORE, I, Kathy Coffey, Mayor of the City of Yakima and on behalf of
the City Council hereby proclaim that the second Monday in October shall be recognized as
"I 1 IGEgvOvs EO'PLES' DAT"
in the City of Yakima. The City of Yakima encourages all citizens to reflect upon the ongoing
struggles of Indigenous People on this land, and to celebrate the thriving culture and value
that Indigenous Peoples add to our city.
Dated this 1St day of Sovem6er, 2016
Kathy Coffey, Mayor