Indigenous Peoples Day
On January 27th, 2021, Mayor Brodeur Proclaimed Indigenous Peoples Day in Melrose. He is grateful for the leadership and partnership of Councilor Maya Jamaladdine and Councilor Jeff McNaught in preparing this. The text is below. To see the original proclamation, click here.
WHEREAS, the City of Melrose recognizes that the Indigenous Peoples of the lands that would later become known as the Americas are native to these lands; and
WHEREAS, the City of Melrose recognizes, values and celebrates the many contributions made to our community, our Commonwealth and our country by Indigenous Peoples now and throughout our history; and
WHEREAS, the City of Melrose, in an effort to promote truth, healing, reconciliation, redress and justice, recognizes and acknowledges the ongoing trauma and historical harms, acts of genocide, and violations of human rights of Indigenous People caused by Columbus and European colonization; and
WHEREAS, the City wishes to honor our local Massachusett Tribal heritage and our national Indigenous roots, history and contributions;
WHEREAS, the Massachusetts State Legislature recently passed a bill providing for the creation of a special commission to make recommendations for a new or revised state seal and motto, thereby reflecting growing momentum within both state and local government to redress the harm to Indigenous peoples caused by the promotion of false histories; and
WHEREAS, the District of Columbia, States of Alaska, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, and municipalities including Salem MA, Somerville MA, Cambridge MA, Brookline MA, Marblehead MA, Newton MA, Northampton MA, Amherst MA, Los Angeles CA, San Francisco CA, Denver CO, Portland OR, Seattle WA, Columbus OH and many more observe Indigenous Peoples Day to promote Indigenous cultures and commemorate the history of Indigenous Peoples; and
WHEREAS, the City of Melrose is one community open to all; that celebrates and welcomes everyone; that is dedicated to promoting equity and justice in our City; and that is committed to policies and practices that seek to end systemic racism and discrimination;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT:
1. The second Monday of October henceforth be commemorated in Melrose as Indigenous Peoples Day; and
2. The City of Melrose recognizes the position of Indigenous Peoples as native to these lands and that Melrose is indigenous land; and
3. The City of Melrose celebrates and honors the foundational contributions of indigenous peoples to the history of our city, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and our country; and
4. The City of Melrose encourages our public schools to observe Indigenous Peoples Day with appropriate instruction to celebrate the culture, diversity, and history of Indigenous Peoples.