Governor Proclaims October 9 Indigenous People's Day
/CHILOQUIN, Ore. – The Klamath Tribes Youth Council has obtained a proclamation from Gov. Kate Brown making Monday, Oct. 9, Indigenous People’s Day in Oregon.
The date is the observed date for Columbus Day, while the actual date for Columbus’ birthday is Oct. 12. Last fall, students at Chiloquin High School asked for one of the days associated with Columbus be proclaimed Indigenous People's Day in Klamath County. This activity was unsuccessful, which resulted in making the request of Gov. Brown.
The proclamation reads:
Whereas: Oregon is home to nine confederated Native American tribes; and
Whereas: Indigenous people have called Oregon home since time immemorial; and
Whereas: The many contributions made to our communities through indigenous peoples’ knowledge, labor, technology, science, philosophy, art have substantially shaped the character of Oregon; and
Whereas: In 2011, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, representing 59 tribes from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Northern California, Western Montana, and Alaska passed a resolution supporting changing Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s Day.
Now, therefore: I, Kate Brown, Governor of the State of Oregon, hereby proclaim October 9, 2017, to be INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY in Oregon and encourage all Oregonians to join in this observance.
For Indigenous People, Columbus’ founding of the “New World” began a cycle of colonialism that still has ramifications today. Many communities are honoring their Indigenous People by renaming the observed Columbus Day for the Native population.