Meeting Date: August 9, 2018
To: Human Rights Commission
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Title
Discussion on Human Rights Commission recommending to City Council that October 12, 2018 be designated Indigenous People Day.
Body
Action Requested:
Discussion only.
Summary Report:
Commissioner Corrine Smith has requested this agenda item for discussion. According to Commissioner Smith, the Human Rights Commission have not discussed in the past ways to honor this besides a city declaration. The people who brought the concern were only focused on having the City pass a resolution defining Columbus Day as Indigenous People Day, either instead of Columbus Day or in addition to it. Commissioner Smith thinks the way of honoring could make for an interesting discussion. Northfield Reads is planning to do something in October focused on indigenous people, although what is yet to be planned. There is a movie and follow up discussion that we might offer as the event.
Commissioner Smith feels that this fits within the discussions of the City of being a welcoming community as well as some of the strategic plan items in draft form that this issue does fit within some related goals and action steps. By acknowledging and honoring one aspect of our history, the larger community that we recognize the value of our history carried into the present, especially in relation to those who are not white euro Americans.
Commissioner Smith will frame this discussion at the meeting. Further action would need to take place in September if this is of interest to the Commission.
Alternative Options:
Not applicable.
Financial Impacts:
Not applicable.
Tentative Timelines:
Not applicable.