October 12, 1492, marks one of the most significant dates to all indigenous people of the Americas – the beginning of the colonization of indigenous people that forever changed their identity, cultures and achievements. The area around present-day Houston was home to many different groups, bands, and tribes of Indigenous Peoples likely dating as far back as 9,000 years ago, and the City of Houston acknowledges and honors these members of the community. The City of Houston recognizes and values the historic, cultural, and contemporary significance and contributions made to this community by all our region’s past and present Indigenous Peoples.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day was first proposed in 1977 by a delegation of Native Nations to the United States-sponsored International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas. A growing number of cities and states across the United States have recognized the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an alternative to the federally recognized Columbus Day.
Officially recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the second Monday of October provides a more balanced representation of our region’s cultural and diverse history and constitutes a small act of restitution for the hardships endured by Indigenous Peoples since the onset of European colonization of the Americas.
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution 1) declaring the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, 2) affirming the City’s willingness to participate in annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations and activities and promote the wellbeing and growth of the City’s American Indian and Indigenous Community, and 3) encouraging other businesses, organizations, and public institutions to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
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Sylvester Turner, Mayor