CITYOFFRESNOThe FresnoCityCouncil
IndigenousPeoples’ Day
WHEREAS: We deeply honor and celebrate the rich heritage and invaluable contributions of IndigenousPeoples, especially paying homage to the Yokuts and Monocommunities, theoriginal peoplesoftheCentral Valley; and WHEREAS: In moments where society might attempt to spotlight our differences, we in Fresno and thesurroundingarearecognizeour truestrengthliesintherichdiversityof our collectivehistories.
WHEREAS: The Tribes of the Central Valley have faced challenges through generations but have stood firmagainst the structure of settler colonialism. Their brilliance in land stewardship and ecologicalknowledgecreatedalandrichinnatural resources. Thislandwecall theCentral ValleyandSierraFoothillshashousedandfedmillions.
WHEREAS: Wearethankful for all First Nationsandtheir contributionsandunequivocallysupport thesovereigntyandself-determinationof theYokutsandMonotribesrecognizingtheyhavetherighttoself-governance, protect their sacredlands, andpracticetheir lifeways; and WHEREAS: OnIndigenousPeoples' Day, wehonor theresilienceandimmensecontributionsYokutsandMonopeoples have made to the state of California. We reaffirm our commitment to upholding oursolemn trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal Nations, further strengthening ourNation-to-Nationtires; and WHEREAS: On this day, we reflect on theattemptedgenocideof CaliforniaNatives, understandingthat Tribalpeoples challenge all of us to confront our past and do better. We must commit tounderstandingour colonial history, the broken treaties, and forced assimilation policies, ensuring a brighterfuturefor the7thGenerationandBeyond; and WHEREAS: Embracing the spirit of Indigenous freedom, we urge every resident to pause, reflect, and trulyappreciatethetenacityandspirit of all First Nations.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that Councilmember Nelson Esparza, the Fresno City Council, andMayor JerryP. Dyer doherebyproclaim, 5thof October 2023, as:
“IndigenousPeoples’ Day”intheCityof Fresno.INWITNESSWHEREOF, wehavehereuntosetourhandsandaffixedtheSealofTheCityofFresno,California,onthis5 th
dayofOctober2023.