Approximately one year ago, the City of Bainbridge Island became the 25th U.S. city to recognize the 2nd Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Our resolution borrows from a similar resolution approved by the Seattle City Council. Nick Licata, former Seattle City Councilmember and cosponsor of Seattle’s resolution, was helpful and supportive when the idea for a City of Bainbridge Island Indigenous Peoples’ Day Resolution was first discussed in the Summer of 2016.
The drafting of Bainbridge Island’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day Resolution was a collaboration between the City of Bainbridge Island, the Island’s Indipino Community, and the Suquamish Tribe. In the resolution, we recognize the long presence of Indigenous Peoples in the Americas, their contributions to our communities and to the country, as well as the historic racism and social inequity Indigenous Peoples have endured. Our resolution goes beyond those similarities with other resolutions, however, to make it unique to this place.
Our Indigenous Peoples’ Day Resolution recognizes the Suquamish settlements that were here long before Europeans arrived, and that Bainbridge Island’s first people existed in harmony with the diverse natural environment around them. It recognizes that prior to the Point Elliot Treaty in 1855, Bainbridge Island was Suquamish territory and acknowledges the contributions of our Indipino community and of all Indigenous Bainbridge Islanders past and present. Our resolution commits the City of Bainbridge Island to supporting equality, understanding, and appreciation of Indigenous Peoples. Specifically:
Section 1 of our Indigenous Peoples Day Resolution affirms our City’s commitment to the proposition that Indigenous Peoples’ Day shall be an opportunity to celebrate the thriving cultures and values of the Indigenous Peoples of our region.
Section 2 commits the City of Bainbridge Island to fund and participate in yearly Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations and activities, working cooperatively with local Tribes, groups, and citizens.
Section 3 strongly encourages the Bainbridge Island Public School District, along with private schools, to include the teaching of Indigenous People’s history.
Section 4 encourages other businesses, organizations, and public institutions to also recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Section 5 commits the City of Bainbridge Island to update its official timeline displayed in City Council Chambers with additional dates and information significant to Indigenous Peoples, including the Island’s Indipino community.
Bainbridge Island’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a work in progress. A day to recognize and appreciate Indigenous People and their cultures, it is ultimately about all of us and about the kind of community we choose to be. Please join us on October 9th at Bainbridge Island City Hall to help celebrate and observe Bainbridge Island’s 2nd annual Indigenous Peoples Day.