Last night the Eugene City Council voted in support of a resolution establishing the second Monday of each October to be Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Eugene joins other west coast cities like Seattle, Portland and Corvallis in honoring indigenous communities on this day. The passage of this resolution is a symbolic gesture that recognizes the many contributions made to our community by indigenous peoples. The City of Eugene does not officially acknowledge any other holiday on this day.
City councilor Chris Pryor voiced his support in saying, “I am proud to carry this resolution forward to honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Indigenous people have and continue to make invaluable contributions to our community and contribute to what makes Eugene a great place to live. This resolution voices our pride in the native community and our support for human rights.”
The Human Rights Commission and indigenous community leaders have worked to engage the community in building support for this resolution. On February 16, 2016 the Human Rights Commission voted unanimously in support of the passage of an Indigenous Peoples’ Day resolution. This concept 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.
The passage of this resolution affirms the city council’s ongoing commitment to promote the well-being and growth of Eugene’s indigenous community. Additionally, the city council encourages other businesses, organizations and public institutions to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the second Monday in October.