By L. Parsons In last week’s Navajo County Board of Supervisor’s meeting, District V Supervisor Dawnafe Whitesinger read a proclamation from Governor Ducey recognizing Indigenous People’s Day. “In early September, the Governor passed a Proclamation supporting Indigenous People’s Day to be recognized on October 12 of this year. For our state, this was an historic effort that has not happened in the past and provides opportunity for our tribal communities to be empowered and to work towards not being the marginalized communities that they often are. We are so grateful for the efforts for all of those who worked to make this day possible.” The proclamation allowed Indigenous People’s Day to be recognized and celebrated alongside Columbus Day. Thirteen states, including New Mexico have done away with Columbus Day and have permanently adopted Indigenous People’s Day. This proclamation for Arizona is only for 2020. Whitesinger continued, “There are 22 recognized tribes in Arizona. In being able to recognize indigenous people in this way is important but I don’t think it takes away from the history of our culture or the history of our nation. To be able to tell the truer story of the history is important but not to take away from the efforts of those who have come before.” District II Supervisor Jesse Thompson added, “As we move forward towards Native American Heritage Month and Veteran’s Day and to the future, we need to remind each other every so often that we are here together to do things and respect one another. I am reminded what Thanksgiving is all about, that day that Europeans landed on this land there was a handshake that took place that is to me very sacred.” Lee Jack, the supervisor from District I said, “I appreciate this proclamation. I thought it was something big and has been a long time coming. And is something to look forward to in the future, as we get better relations everything will be better and there will be more opportunities to work together. No matter how diverse this country is, we need to come together and help each other. That is what this great nation is all about.”
