For Immediate Release: Thursday, October 8, 2020
Proclamation comes as a result of the resolution spearheaded by Councilmember Navarro in July
ROCKVILLE, Md., October 8, 2020—On Tuesday, Councilmember Nancy Navarro will present a proclamation recognizing the second Monday in October, which has historically been associated with Columbus Day, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This proclamation is the result of a resolution that was initiated by Councilmember Nancy Navarro and was unanimously passed by the Montgomery County Council on July 28, 2020. This is the first year that the Council is recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
The resolution also called on the Maryland General Assembly to adopt this day as an official state holiday, and urged Montgomery County Public Schools to undergo a review of its curriculum to better incorporate the histories, narratives and cultures of the country’s Native peoples.
“Today marks yet another moment when this Council has followed up on its words with action. Today’s proclamation represents our values as a body and as a broader community,” said Councilmember Nancy Navarro. “As I said when the resolution was first introduced, today is not about erasing history, but instead elevating traditionally silenced voices as part of our shared historical narrative. Our Native American Tribes deserve to have their stories told and their cultures celebrated.”
The proclamation notes that Christopher Columbus, for whom Columbus Day is named, is known to have committed numerous crimes against humanity against Native peoples in the Americas. Recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day helps to move away from the legacy of racism and bigotry against Native peoples.
Maryland is home to many tribes recognized by the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs, including the Accohannock Indian Tribe; the Assateague Peoples Tribe; the Cedarville Band of Piscataway Indians; the Nause-Waiwash Band of Indians; the Piscataway Conoy Confederacy and sub-tribes; the Piscataway Indian Nation; the Pocomoke Indian Nation; and the Youghiogheny River Band of Shawnee Indians.
The proclamation notes that more than 70 jurisdictions and seven states recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, including the City of Takoma Park, Prince George’s County, Washington, D.C. and Alexandria, Virginia.
For more information on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, you may visit https://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/national-museum-american-indian/2019/10/11/indigenous-peoples-day-2019/
The Council resolution in support of Indigenous Peoples' Day can be viewed here.
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Release ID: 20-398