WHEREAS, Salt Lake City recognizes the city is built upon the 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 broader access, resources and opportunity for these communities, and by honoring 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 its 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 called upon the City to officially recognize the Second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day and celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day to promote understanding and friendship, and to combat prejudice and eliminate discrimination stemming from colonization.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,

the Salt Lake City Council and Mayor of Salt Lake City strongly support 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,

the Salt Lake City Council and Mayor of Salt Lake City strongly encourage Salt Lake City Public Schools to teach about the culture, government and history of Indigenous Peoples on this day and encourage residents, businesses, organizations, and public institutions to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED

the Salt Lake City Council and Mayor of Salt Lake City firmly commit to continue 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.

Adopted this 4th day of October 2022

To view an electronic copy of the signed resolution, click here.