Sunday, October 1, 2017

Indigenous People's Day, LONG BEACH

Chrissie M. Castro (323) 420-6844, Dhr. Seven, Xochitl, Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly


LA COUNTY TO VOTE ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLE'S DAY
On Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at 9:30 am, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will hear public testimony and discuss the historical importance and cultural impact of establishing an Indigenous People's Day as an official Los Angeles County holiday.

Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and Supervisor Sheila Kuehl’s effort to repeal Columbus Day and replace it with Indigenous People's Day (Item 2) in Los Angeles County annually on the second Monday in October.
 
We need help contacting and encouraging the supervisors in vote in favor of it. Please consider sending the following letter to the Executive Office of the Board at:
  • ExecutiveOffice@bos.lacounty.gov
  • CC the letter to: Kathryn@bos.lacounty.gov; firstdistrict@bos.lacounty.gov; MarkRidley-Thomas@bos.lacounty.gov; Sheila@bos.lacounty.gov; and fourthdistrict@bos.lacounty.gov.
CITY OF LONG BEACH TO VOTE ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLE'S DAY
The Long Beach City Council is considering the establishment of Indigenous People's Day. The Human Relations Commission of Long Beach will be submitting a proposal in support of celebrating Indigenous People's Day, and there will be a short presentation from a local indigenous community member to explain the importance of this day to the City Council. Finally, the City Council will vote and take action.
  • Tuesday, October 3, 2017
  • TIME: 4:00pm
  • LOCATION:
  • Long Beach City Hall
  • 333 W. Ocean Blvd. 90802
  • +Rally before the vote/meeting @4pm!
  • +Attend City Council Meeting for the vote @5pm!
Let's come together and make this happen. This is a call to all friends and relatives to come and support! Indigenous People's Day in LA was a success. Now let's get the City of Long Beach to recognize it, too!
- Chrissie M. Castro (edited by Wisdom Quarterly)

Sample Letter
To the Honorable Mark Ridley-Thomas, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
To the Honorable Members of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors

I am writing to express my strong support for Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and Supervisor Sheila Kuehl’s effort to repeal Columbus Day and replace it with Indigenous Peoples Day (item 2) in the County of Los Angeles, on the second Monday in October.

Recognizing the contributions, history, and sacrifices made by the original inhabitants of the Los Angeles area is long overdue. In recent years, there is a greater awareness of the well documented history of the Americas from the time Christopher Columbus set foot on the shores of what is historically referred to as Hispaniola in 1492. Indeed, Columbus returned three additional times to the “New World,” setting in motion a genocide that would last centuries, the effects thereof are still felt today.

Later, the Spanish missionaries came to California, decimating Native Tribes to the point of extinction in some cases. It is time for Los Angeles County to reflect on the legacy of these actions and create a permanent tribute to the people who made it possible for the rest of us to make a life for ourselves on the lands that the original inhabitants were so mercilessly removed from.

Thank you for voting in favor of replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous People's Day.

Sincerely,

[NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[PHONE/EMAIL]

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