Agenda Text
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Proclaiming the 2nd Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples' Day.
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Official Text
Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Somerville
City of Somerville, Massachusetts
Proclamation
WHEREAS Indigenous Peoples’ Day was first proposed in 1977 by a delegation of Native Nations to the International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas; and
WHEREAS The United States endorsed the United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous People on December 16, 2010; and
WHEREAS a growing number of cities and towns in the United States have recognized the second Monday of October as “Indigenous Peoples’ Day”, re-imagining Columbus Day as an opportunity to celebrate indigenous heritage and resiliency; and
WHEREAS The City of Somerville recognizes the historic, cultural, and contemporary significance of Indigenous Peoples of the lands that also became known as the Americas; and
WHEREAS The City of Somerville recognizes it was founded and built upon lands first inhabited by Indigenous Peoples of this region and acknowledges and honors these members of the community; and
WHEREAS The City of Somerville values the many contributions made to our community through Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge, labor, technology, science, philosophy, arts, and the deep cultural contribution that has shaped the character of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE I, Joseph A. Curtatone, Mayor of the City of Somerville, do hereby proclaim the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Somerville.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 12th day of September, A.D. 2018.
Joseph A. Curtatone
Mayor