PORT ANGELES — The Clallam County commissioners have proclaimed Monday as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
In the proclamation, read by Commissioner Bill Peach during Tuesday’s business meeting, commissioners “encourage all to celebrate the thriving cultures and values of the Indigenous Peoples of our region, to learn more about the history of Indigenous Peoples and their cultures, and to continue efforts to promote the well-being and growth of our Indigenous communities.”
The county recognizes that systemic racism toward Indigenous People perpetuates high rates of poverty and income inequality, according to the proclamation.
The idea of Indigenous Peoples’ Day was first proposed in 1977 and in 2011 the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians passed a resolution to support changing Columbus Day … to Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the proclamation said.
“Clallam County joins a growing number of counties that have recognized the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, creating an opportunity to promote appreciation, tolerance, understanding, friendship and partnerships among all peoples,” the proclamation said.
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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsula dailynews.com.
