A proclamation in celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day

WHEREAS, Parks Tacoma recognizes that Indigenous peoples across the world have been the caring, unyielding stewards of the Earth since time immemorial, and that their expertise and leadership are essential to ensure thriving futures for our planet and all which resides here; and

WHEREAS, Parks Tacoma is committed to reforming as an anti-racist agency which celebrates, collaborates and integrates the cultures of our community in our work; and

WHEREAS, Coast Salish peoples – the original inhabitants of the land that houses the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma – are essential voices guiding land stewardship, ecological preservation, culturally appropriate storytelling and education throughout our parks and programs; and

WHEREAS, in 2024, members of the Puyallup, Nisqually, Muckleshoot, Steilacoom, Squaxin Island, and Chinook Tribes helped elevate awareness of Indigenous histories and experiences in our region through public art at Melanie Jan LaPlant Dressel Park and an ongoing Indigenous Voices Podcast series created in partnership with Fort Nisqually Living History Museum; and

WHEREAS, the Nisqually Indian Tribe and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park are actively partnering to bring Indigenous knowledge and professional development opportunities to the park, which includes engaging teens involved with the Nisqually Tribe’s Summer Youth Employment Program and creating a paid Nature Engagement Fellowship position for tribal members; and

WHEREAS, Indigenous cultures from beyond North America are also prominent in our community, and we are grateful for their contributions as environmental stewards, cultural experts and educators, and key partners to our Park District.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Park Commissioners do hereby recognize October 14, 2024, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day and recommit to partnering with Indigenous leadership to advance equity in our communities and care for the lands which we steward.

The foregoing proclamation was adopted by the Board of Park Commissioners of the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma at a regularly scheduled meeting held on October 14, 2024.