The United Nations declared August 9 as “International Day of the World’s Indigenous People” in 1994. Since then, many states, cities, and universities have adopted “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” to celebrate those who truly were the first to inhabit the Western Hemisphere, and to draw attention to the lasting consequences of aggressive colonization of their lands.
Monday, October 10, 2022 is “Indigenous Peoples’ Day. For Decorah, a place named for a Ho-Chunk leader, celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day is an obvious step towards the recognition and inclusion of all people who have (and continue to) call this valley home.
PROCLAMATION OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY
A Proclamation relating to Indigenous Peoples’ Day; declaring the second Monday in October 2022 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the City of Decorah.
WHEREAS, the indigenous peoples of the lands that would later become known as Decorah have occupied these lands since time immemorial, and Decorah is built upon the homelands and communities of the indigenous peoples of this region, without whom the building of the city would not be possible; and
WHEREAS, we value the many contributions made to our community through indigenous peoples’ knowledge, labor, technology, science, philosophy, arts, and the deep cultural contribution that has substantially shaped the character of Decorah; and
WHEREAS, the city opposes racism toward indigenous peoples of Decorah or any Iowans of any origin and honor our nation’s indigenous roots, history, and contributions; 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 Decorah joins a growing number of cities that have recognized the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, creating an opportunity to promote appreciation, tolerance, understanding, friendship, and partnerships among indigenous peoples and all Decorah residents; and
WHEREAS, the City of Decorah is dedicated to opposing systemic racism toward Indigenous people in the United States, which perpetuates high rates of poverty and income inequality, exacerbating disproportionate health, education, and social crises; and
WHEREAS, the City of Decorah will observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of indigenous peoples in our community; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting for parents and their children, educators, businesses and other members of the community to join the celebration in an effort to build community and understanding between indigenous peoples in the community and all other Decorah residents.
NOW THEREFORE, I Lorraine Borowski, Mayor of Decorah, Iowa do hereby proclaim:
Section 1. The City of Decorah strongly supports the proposition that Indigenous Peoples’ Day shall be an opportunity to celebrate the cultures and values of the Indigenous Peoples of our region, our country, and throughout the world.
Section 2. The City of Decorah encourages Decorah Public Schools to include the teaching of indigenous people’s history.
Section 3. The City of Decorah encourages other businesses, organizations, and public institutions to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Section 4. The Mayor of the City of Decorah declares the second Monday in October 2022 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the City of Decorah.
Original source can be found here.
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