Gordon Smith calls for Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Asheville

Press release from the Gordon Smith Campaign:

Asheville N.C.– City council member Gordon Smith, a child and family therapist and civil rights activist, has introduced a resolution to declare the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Asheville. (Full text of the resolution is included at the end of this release.)

“People in Asheville and throughout the nation have called on governments to recognize the culture, contributions, and history of Native Americans,” Smith said. “I consulted with Chief Lambert of the Eastern Band of Cherokee, and he has approved of the resolution’s language and expressed his gratitude.”

Now known as Columbus Day, the holiday currently observed on the second Monday of October has been widely condemned by Native Americans and allies for celebrating domination, oppression, and colonialism. It has also been condemned for reinforcing the idea that Columbus “discovered” this continent.

“Western North Carolina is the traditional land of native people,” said Trey Adcock, PhD, a UNC Asheville assistant professor, the university’s Director of American Indian Outreach, and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. “As a symbol, replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day recognizes that native people were here first,” Adcock said. “Native people are community members in WNC, not just an afterthought.”

Statements in the resolution include “the city supports economic, social, and environmental equity for Indigenous Peoples” and “the city honors our nation’s indigenous roots, history, and contributions.” Approved by the City’s Governance Committee in December, the resolution will move forward for a full council vote on January 12.

Smith asked Mayor Manheimer to invite Chief Lambert of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee to receive the resolution when it is considered at city council. The chief chose his chief of staff, Sage Dunston, to represent the Eastern Band at the City Council meeting.

Several other U.S. cities have adopted Indigenous Peoples’ Day including Seattle, Minneapolis, Albuquerque, and Portland.

The resolution:

Proposed City of Asheville Resolution Establishing Indigenous Peoples’ Day

A Resolution relating to Indigenous Peoples’ Day; declaring the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the City of Asheville; encouraging other institutions to recognize the day; and reaffirming the city’s commitment to promote the well-being and growth of Asheville’s and all of western North Carolina’s Indigenous People.

WHEREAS, the City of Asheville 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 City recognizes that Asheville is built upon the homelands and villages of the Indigenous Peoples of this region; and

WHEREAS, the City values the many contributions made to our community through Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge, labor, technology, science, philosophy, arts, and the deep cultural contribution that has substantially shaped the character of the City of Asheville and of western North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, the city supports economic, social, and environmental equity for Indigenous Peoples and

WHEREAS, the city honors 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 BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASHEVILLE THAT:

Section 1: The City of Asheville strongly supports the proposition that Indigenous Peoples’ Day shall be an opportunity to celebrate the thriving culture and values of Indigenous Peoples of our region.

Section 2: The City of Asheville affirms that it is city policy to participate in the annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations and activities.

Section 3: The City of Asheville applauds the Asheville City schools for teaching indigenous peoples’ history.

Section 4: The City of Asheville encourages businesses, organizations, and other public institutions to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Section 5: The Mayor and City Council of Asheville declare the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the City of Asheville.

About Gordon Smith:

A longtime community servant and graduate of Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, Gordon Smith lives in West Asheville with his wife Rachael, and works as a counselor helping teens, adults, and families. As a local champion of human rights, Gordon led the passage of same-sex domestic partner benefits for the City of Asheville. The following year, working with a broad coalition of church and synagogue leaders, he fought for and led the passage of Asheville’s Equality Resolution.

Gordon Smith for Buncombe website: http://www.gordonforbuncombe.org/

Gordon Smith on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GordonSmithForBuncombe/