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SALT LAKE CITY RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION NO. 27 OF 2017
RESOLUTION DECLARING THE SECOND MONDAY IN OCTOBER AS INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY IN SALT LAKE CITY
WHEREAS, Salt Lake City recognizes Indigenous Peoples of the lands that would later become known as the Americas have occupied these lands for thousands of years; and
WHEREAS, Salt Lake City recognizes the City is built upon homelands of the Indigenous Peoples of this region, whose histories are entwined with the settlement of Salt Lake City; and
WHEREAS, Salt Lake City values Indigenous Peoples' contributions to our community, including their knowledge, labor, technology, science, philosophy, arts and the deep cultural influence that substantially shaped the character of Salt Lake City; and
WHEREAS, Salt Lake City has a responsibility to oppose the systematic discrimination 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, Salt Lake City promotes closing the equity gap for Indigenous Peoples by supporting policies and practices that ensure greater access and opportunity, 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, Salt Lake City established our Human Rights Commission in 2005, committing itself to protect, respect and fulfill the full range of inherent human rights for all as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and numerous other international human rights treaties; and
WHEREAS, Indigenous communities and Tribes in Utah recognize the Second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples' Day, and called upon the City to officially celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day in order to promote tolerance, understanding and friendship, and to combat prejudice and eliminate discrimination stemming from colonization.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
that the Salt Lake City Council strongly supports the proposition that Indigenous Peoples' Day shall be an opportunity to celebrate the thriving cultures and values of the Indigenous Peoples of our region.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED
that the Salt Lake City Council strongly encourages Salt Lake City Public Schools to teach about the culture, government and history of Indigenous Peoples on this day and encourages residents, businesses, organizations, and public institutions to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED
that the Salt Lake City Council firmly commits to continue its efforts to promote the well-being and growth of Salt Lake City’s American Indian and Indigenous community and declares the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples' Day in Salt Lake City.
Passed by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah, this 3rd day of October, 2017.