Title
Dept/ Agency: Office of the Mayor
Action: ( ) Ratifying (X) Authorizing ( ) Amending
Type of Service: Declaration by the Mayor
Purpose: Declaration that the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the City of Newark and replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Additional Information:
Failed 7R7-a (as) 100417
body
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, the City recognizes the fact that Newark was built upon the homelands and villages of the Indigenous Peoples of this region, without whom the building of the City would not have been possible; and
WHEREAS, the City of Newark recognizes that the Indigenous Peoples of the lands that would later become known as the Americas, have occupied these lands since time immemorial; and
WHEREAS, the City values the many contributions made to our community through Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge, labor, technology, science, philosophy, arts and the deep cultural contribution that has substantially shaped the character of the City of Newark; and
WHEREAS, the City of Newark has a responsibility to oppose the systematic racism towards Indigenous Peoples in the United States, which perpetuates high rates of poverty and income inequality, exacerbates disproportionate health, education, and social crises; and
WHEREAS, the City promotes the closing of the equity gap for Indigenous Peoples through policies and practices that reflect the experiences of Indigenous Peoples, ensure greater access and opportunity, and honor our nation’s indigenous roots, history, and contribution; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to replace Columbus Day, the second Monday in October, with Indigenous People’s Day encouraging other institutions in the City to recognize the Day, and reaffirm the City’s commitment to promote the well-being and growth of Newark’s American Indian and Indigenous community.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWARK, THE MAYOR CONCURRING, THAT:
1. The City of Newark 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.
2. The Mayor and Municipal Council of the City of Newark jointly declare the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the City of Newark.
3. The City hereby replaces what was heretofore known as Columbus Day, the second Monday in October, with Indigenous Peoples’ Day and encourages other institutions to recognize the Day, and reaffirm the City’s commitment to promote the well-being and growth of Newark’s American Indian and Indigenous community.
4. The City of Newark affirms that it is City policy to participate in the annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations and activities; that City departments work with the Newark Office for Affirmative Action and the Newark Office of Multicultural Affairs to encourage participation on a citywide basis.
5. The City of Newark strongly encourages Newark Public Schools to include teaching and instruction on the history of Indigenous People.
STATEMENT
Declaration by the Mayor and the Municipal Council of the City of Newark replacing Columbus Day, the second Monday in October, with Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the City of Newark; encouraging other institutions to recognize the Day, and reaffirming the City’s commitment to promote the well-being and growth of Newark’s American Indian and Indigenous community.