Proclaim October 10, 2022 to be Indigenous Peoples' Day
Whereas, the City of Portland recognizes that the Indigenous People of the lands that would later become known as the Americas have occupied these lands since time immemorial; and
Whereas, the City of Portland exists at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers, which hold a rich and beautiful history of being home to villages and trade routes to the Indigenous People that have been in relation with the land long before the westward expansion of European-American settlements in this country; and
Whereas, Indigenous People continue to advocate passionately for their community, way of life, and the wellbeing of the land they have been stewards of since time immemorial; and
Whereas, the City of Portland will integrate Indigenous knowledge and perspective into both practices and policy to combat the institutional racism impacting Indigenous People who continue to face hardships as a result of centuries of neglectful policies and actions responsible for the present-day disproportionate outcomes in health, education, and economic mobility; and
Whereas, the City of Portland Tribal Relations Program supports and facilitates meaningful consultation with regional Tribes in order to uncover and preserve the culture and histories rooted in Native land; and
Whereas, on October 7, 2015, Portland City Council passed a resolution resolving that the City of Portland shall recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day on the second Monday of October; and
Whereas, the City recognizes the intergenerational harm that has been caused by the Federal Indian Boarding School Policies which separated children from their families that led to loss of culture, language, and connection to Indigenous ways of life; calling for recognition of September 30th as the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools; and
Whereas, the 2022 Indigenous Peoples' Day shall be used to express a commitment to amplifying the voice and visibility of Indigenous People through City policies, practices, advocacy, and investments that ensure greater access to historically sacred lands and opportunity for communal collaboration on City initiatives, while honoring our nation's Indigenous history and contributions.
Now, therefore, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim October 10th, 2022 to be
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
in Portland and encourage all residents to observe this day.