Mayoral Proclamation - Truth and Reconciliation Day

Mayoral Proclamation - Truth and Reconciliation Day

Our country was made up of people from every nation on Earth, who are declared equal not only in freedom but also in justice, both of which are essential for a healthy human civilization.

09/30/2024

View the signed Mayoral Proclamation for Truth and Reconciliation Day.

WHEREAS, Our country was made up of people from every nation on Earth, who are declared equal not only in freedom but also in justice, both of which are essential for a healthy human civilization; and

WHEREAS, The Indian Child Welfare Act was established in 1978 with the intention to protect Indigenous children and to promote stability and security of tribes and families. The Act established minimum Federal standards for the removal and placement of Indigenous children in homes that reflect the unique values of their culture; and

WHEREAS, The establishment of the Indian Child Welfare Act served as legislative action that led to the dissolution of the routine practice of placement of Indigenous children in residential boarding schools and adoptive homes; and

WHEREAS, In 2013, residential school survivor Phyllis Jack Webstad shared the story of having her new orange shirt taken away from her on her first day at boarding school. Since then, orange has been a reminder of how no one cared for her or other Indigenous children. This story was told during the St. Joseph Mission Residential School Commemoration Project and Reunion event in Williams Lake, British Columbia, and served as the inspiration for what became known as "Orange Shirt Day;" and

WHEREAS, The House of Commons in Canada has established an official day of remembrance for the children and families affected by residential boarding schools. This is part of the reconciliation process with the First Nations, Inuit and Metis people and is observed annually on September 30th; and

WHEREAS, Reconciliation efforts such as the recognition of Indigenous People's Day locally have led to renewed hope for Indigenous people to feel a sense of worth, care and cohesive belonging in communities through acknowledgement of events in the past.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT WE, Dr. Timothy Mahoney, Mayor of Fargo; Bernie Dardis, Mayor of West Fargo; Shelly Carlson, Mayor of Moorhead; and Chad Olson, Mayor of Dilworth; do hereby proclaim Monday, September 30, 2024 as

TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION DAY

in the Cities of Fargo, North Dakota; West Fargo, North Dakota; Moorhead, Minnesota; and Dilworth, Minnesota. All cities commit to remaining vigilant in efforts to facilitate continued dialogue with all parties who wish to work collaboratively to address racial inequalities in the metro community.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of The City of Fargo, North Dakota to be affixed this 30th day of September, 2024.

Dr. Timothy J. Mahoney
Mayor
Fargo, North Dakota

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