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A PROCLAMATION OF THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VERNON RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 9, 2023 AS
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY IN THE CITY OF VERNON
WHEREAS, Indigenous peoples were America's first inhabitants and have populated the Western Hemisphere for tens of thousands of years; and
WHEREAS, Indigenous Peoples' Day was first proposed in 1977 and since then, many cities, counties and states in the Country have proclaimed the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples' Day to celebrate and honor Native American peoples and commemorate their histories and cultures; and
WHEREAS, since 2021, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day and acknowledging Indigenous peoples' resilience and strength as well as the immeasurable positive impact that they have made on every aspect of American society; and
WHEREAS, the City of Vernon observes the second Monday in October as a holiday in honor of Indigenous Peoples' Day and the Vernon City Council desires to proclaim Indigenous Peoples' Day with the intention of bringing awareness and understanding to the local community; and
WHEREAS, the colonization of the Americas significantly encroached upon native culture and lands, and disrupted and altered the lives of Indigenous peoples resulting in lasting impacts; and
WHEREAS, Indigenous peoples continue to fight to maintain the integrity and viability of Indigenous societies, to overcome existing disparities, and continue to advocate for their own rights; and
WHEREAS, the City of Vernon understands that in order to help close the equity gap, government entities, organizations, and other public institutions should change their policies and practices to better reflect the experiences of Indigenous peoples and upliff our country's Indigenous roots, history, and contributions; and
WHEREAS, the City of Vernon recognizes that the contributions that Indigenous peoples have made throughout history — in public service, entrepreneurship, scholarship, the arts, and countless other fields —are integral to our community, our American culture, and our society; and
WHEREAS, the City of Vernon desires to promote understanding, recognition, and respect for all cultures and endeavors to enrich the community as a whole and support empathy, integrity, humility, and good stewardship of resources; and WHEREAS, the City of Vernon encourages businesses, organizations, and public entities to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day and reflect upon the ongoing struggles and positive contributions of Indigenous peoples of this land, and to celebrate the culture and value that all Indigenous peoples add to our community.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VERNON, ON BEHALF OF ITS EMPLOYEES, RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES HEREBY PROCLAIM OCTOBER 9, 2023 AS
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY IN THE CITY OF VERNON, THIS PROCLAMATION IS BEING PRESENTED
BY THE HONORABLE MAYOR CRYSTAL LARIOS FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY QF. VERNON THIS 3Ro DAY OF OCTOBER TWO THOUSAND AND TWENTY-THREE. -" - CITY OF VERNON
CRYSTAL LARIOS, Mayor