PROCLAMATION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, COUNTY OF INYO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA DECLARING OCTOBER 11, 2021 AS INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY IN INYO COUNTY

WHEREAS, California is home to one of the largest and most diverse populations of Indigenous peoples
anywhere in the United States; and
WHEREAS, since the first contact with Europeans in the mid-1700s, peoples indigenous to California
have lived their lives in defiance of forces of oppression, violence, and discrimination, including the
genocidal “war of extermination” directed by California’s first governor in 1851; and
WHEREAS, for centuries prior, the Native peoples of California, including Inyo County, thrived in their
homelands, serving as dedicated stewards of the land as they engaged in agriculture, irrigation, hunting,
fishing, promoting ecological diversity, and protecting and preserving their resources; and
WHEREAS, present-day Inyo County has been the home for thousands of years of the Mono tribe, Coso
people, Timbisha, Kawaiisu, and Southern Paiute Native Americans; and WHEREAS, thousands of their
descendants, including the Paiute (Nuumu), Timbisha, and Shoshone (Newe) tribes, continue to live in
their traditional homelands in the Owens Valley and Death Valley National Park; and
WHEREAS, the injustices carried out on the Native peoples’ homelands and against their ancestors is a
trauma that impacts our Native American communities to this day, even as they still face long-existing
disadvantages and ongoing discrimination; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of this dark history and lasting cultural trauma, the Inyo County Board of
Supervisors supports steps taken by the State toward reconciliation and greater equity for California’s
Indigenous peoples, including a formal apology to all California Native Americans and establishment of a
California Truth and Healing Council; and
WHEREAS, the Inyo County Board of Supervisors especially encourages and supports localized efforts to
promote healing among Indigenous communities, shine a light on historical injustices against Native
Americans, correct inaccurate historical accounts, and educate non-Native populations about ancestral
homelands; and
WHEREAS, State and National observances of Indigenous Peoples’ Day – held the second Monday in
October – give us all an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s past and learn more about local tribes and
their cultures.
NOW, THEREFOR BE IT PROCLAIMED, in recognition of the State and National observances, the Inyo
County Board of Supervisors hereby declares October 11, 2021 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Inyo
County, and by doing so pays tribute and respect to the culture, diversity, land stewardship, and
resiliency of all of our Native American peoples.