Norman approves Indigenous Peoples’ Day
NORMAN — Norman has become the largest city in Oklahoma to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day and at least one city councilor is nudging Oklahoma City to follow their lead.
“Norman City Council just recognized the 2nd Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day!” Norman councilwoman Breea Clark tweeted following Tuesday’s vote. “What about you, @cityofokc?”
Presented as an alternative to Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the culture of Native Americans who lived in North America before the arrival of European settlers.
“The (vote) in Norman not only recognizes the history of indigenous people but also raises the visibility of our community and current issues,” said Summer Wesley, a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma who has worked to encourage other cities to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
“This is part of a larger national movement and it also demonstrates the importance of this to other cities.”
Wesley has worked with others to urge Oklahoma City to rename Columbus Day locally, but the city council rejected a proposal last year.
Anadarko is the other city in Oklahoma recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Wesley said.
Columbus Day remains a federal holiday, but several cities across the country have made the Indigenous Peoples’ Day switch, including Phoenix, Seattle and Minneapolis.
Clark told The Oklahoman the Norman council vote, which was unanimous, was held this week to give groups time to plan Indigenous Peoples’ Day events.
She hopes other cities will join in.
“I believe that Norman is one of the most, if not the most inclusive city in Oklahoma,” she said. “This is a simple step in recognizing a big culture in Oklahoma and an important history.
“I am very proud of Norman.”