WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE

Resolution _________________

A RESOLUTION relating to Indigenous Peoples' Day; declaring the second Monday in October

as Indigenous Peoples' Day in the Washington State; encouraging other institutions to recognize

the Day; and reaffirming the State's commitment to promote the well-being and growth of State's

American Indian and Indigenous community.

WHEREAS, the State of Washington recognizes that the American Indian Tribes of the lands

that would later become known as the Americas have occupied these lands since time

immemorial; and

WHEREAS, the State recognizes the fact that Washington is built upon the homelands and

villages of the American Indian of this region, without whom the building of the State would not

have been possible; and

WHEREAS, the State values the many contributions made to our communities through

Indigenous Peoples' knowledge, labor, technology, science, philosophy, arts and the deep

cultural contribution that has substantially shaped the character of Washington State; and

WHEREAS, the State of Washington has a responsibility to oppose the systematic racism

towards American Indians and Indigenous peoples in the United States, which perpetuates high

rates of poverty and income inequality, exacerbating disproportionate health, education, and

social crises; and

WHEREAS, the State promotes the closing of the equity gap for American Indians and

Indigenous Peoples through policies and practices that reflect the experiences of American

Indians, 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, in 2011 the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, representing 59 Tribes from

Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Northern California, Western Montana and some Alaskan Tribes,

passed resolution #11-57 to "Support to Change Columbus Day (2nd Monday of October) to

Indigenous Peoples' Day"; and

WHEREAS, the Cities of Seattle, Olympia, and Bellingham have passed resolutions recognizing

the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Coast Salish Day respectively;

and

WHEREAS, in 1989 the State of Washington and Tribal Nations in Washington State signed the

Centennial Accord to strengthen Government to Government relations. NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE, THE GOVERNOR

CONCURRING, THAT:

Section 1. Washington State strongly supports the proposition that Indigenous Peoples' Day shall

be an opportunity to celebrate the thriving cultures and values of the American Indian tribes and

Indigenous Peoples of our region.

Section 2. The State of Washington affirms that it is State policy to participate in the annual

Indigenous Peoples' Day celebrations and activities; that State departments work with local tribes

and/or Urban Indian populations to encourage participation on a State-wide basis.

Section 3. The State if Washington strongly encourages Washington State Public Schools to

include the teaching of American Indian languages.

Section 4. The State of Washington encourages other businesses, organizations, and public

institutions to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day.

Section 5. The State of Washington firmly commits to continue its efforts to promote the well-

being and growth of State's American Indian and Indigenous community.

Section 6. The Governor and State Legislature jointly declare the second Monday in October as

Indigenous Peoples' Day in the State of Washington.