WHEREAS, the Grand County School District recognizes the fact that Grand County is built upon the homelands and villages of the Indigenous Peoples' of this region; and
WHEREAS, the Grand County School District recognizes the deep cultural contribution of Native American thought, culture, and arts, to the character of Grand Country; and
WHEREAS, the Grand County School District promotes the closing of the equity gap for Indigenous Peoples through policies and practices that reflect the experiences of Indigenous Peoples, ensuring greater access and opportunity, and honoring our nation's Indigenous history and contributions; and
WHEREAS, Indigenous Peoples' Day was first proposed in 1977 by a delegation of Native Nations to the United Nations sponsored International Conference on Discrimination against Indigenous Populations in the Americas; and
WHEREAS, the United States endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (the "Declaration") on December 16, 2010, and Article 15 of that the declaration states:
- Indigenous Peoples have the right to dignity and diversity of their cultures, traditions, histories and aspirations, which shall be appropriately reflected in education and public information.
- States should take effective measures, in consultation and cooperation with the Indigenous Peoples concerned, to combat prejudice and eliminate discrimination and to promote tolerance, understanding, and good relations among Indigenous Peoples and all other segments of society; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Grand County School District shall recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day on the second Monday in October; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Grand County School District shall continue its efforts to promote the prosperity and well-being of the Grand County School District Indigenous community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Indigenous Peoples' Day shall be used to reflect upon the ongoing struggles of Indigenous People on this land, and to celebrate the thriving culture and value that Indigenous Peoples add to Grand County School District; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Grand County School District encourages other
businesses, organizations, and public institutions to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day.
Attested this 21st day of September 21, 2022, by the Grand County School Board of Education.