Billie Nowabbi, a retired member of the United Methodist clergy, looks on as Chief Gary Batton of the Choctaw Nation signs a proclamation naming the 2nd Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day.
Chief Batton names 2nd Monday in October Indigenous Peoples Day
DURANT, Okla. – Chief Gary Batton signs a proclamation declaring the second Monday of October as Indigenous People’s Day.
The proclamation states: “The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has a responsibility to highlight its glorious history, rich culture, and promote who we are as Chahta people.”
The signing took place at the Choctaw Nation headquarters in Durant, Oklahoma, on October 7, 2015, with Billie Nowabbi, a retired United Methodist clergy in attendance.
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma recognizes that the Indigenous Peoples of the lands that would later become known as the Americas have occupied these lands since time immemorial; and
WHEREAS, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma recognizes that this community and surrounding communities were built upon the land owned by the Choctaw people; and
WHEREAS, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma value the many contributions made to this community through Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge, labor, technology, science, philosophy, arts, faith and the deep cultural contribution that has shaped the character of this community; and
WHEREAS, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has a responsibility to highlight its glorious history and rich culture and promote who we are as Chahta people; and
WHEREAS, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma promotes the closing of the equity gap for Indigenous Peoples through policies and practices that reflect the experiences of Indigenous Peoples, ensure greater access and opportunity, and honor our nation’s indigenous roots, 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;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Gary Batton, Chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, do hereby proclaim the following:
Section 1. Indigenous Peoples’ Day shall be an opportunity to celebrate the thriving cultures and positive values of the Indigenous Peoples of our region.
Section 2. Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma schools and other educational institutions are encouraged to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Section 3. The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma businesses, organizations, and other institutions are encouraged to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Section 4. The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma shall promote the well-being and growth of the American Indian and Indigenous community of the greater Choctaw Nation.
Section 5. Indigenous Peoples’ Day shall be used to reflect upon the ongoing struggles of Indigenous People, and to celebrate the thriving culture and value that Indigenous nations add to our community.
Section 6. The second Monday in October shall be declared as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
SIGNED AT THE CHOCTAW NATION HEADQUARTERS, DURANT OKLAHOMA, THIS 7TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2015.