Title
Special Recognition - Proclamation Recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Proclaim October 12, 2026 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the City of Olympia.
Report
Issue:
Whether to proclaim October 12, 2026 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the City of Olympia.
Staff Contact:
Olivia Salazar de Breaux, Culture and Belonging Manager, Olympia Parks, Arts, and Recreation Department, 360.753.8343.
Presenter(s):
Kris Peters, Squaxin Island Tribe Chairman
Squaxin Island Tribe Council representatives
Background and Analysis:
Indigenous Peoples’ Day was first proposed in 1977 by a delegation of Native Nations to the United Nations sponsored International Conference on the Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas. It is a day to recognize and celebrate Indigenous heritage, culture, and history while honoring past, current and future generations. The City of Olympia encourages all residents to become more aware of the significance of this celebration and its role in the heritage of our nation and City.
The Squaxin Island Tribe’s habitation of what is now Olympia spans thousands of years. The ancestral families who lived and thrived here named it Steh-Chass and occupied prosperous villages along the shores. Today, the Squaxin people continue stewardship of these ancestral lands, from the Deschutes watershed and what is now Budd Inlet. The Squaxin Island Tribe and City of Olympia honor the Medicine Creek Treaty and have established a strong government-to-government relationship between the two sovereigns.
On October 8, 2026, the City of Olympia will re-sign and re-affirm their Accord with the Squaxin Island Tribe in the spirit of understanding and mutual respect, and committed to the following long term-actions:
• Coordinate and cooperate to support economic and infrastructure opportunities.
• Collaborate to protect natural resources and respond to climate change.
• Create more opportunities for public art, education, and community service that will promote a healthy exchange of cultures.
• Establish an intergovernmental work group between the two Councils to advance these commitments, develop an annual work plan, and consistent channels of communication.
• Conduct joint meetings of the Squaxin Island Tribal Council and the Olympia City Council at least once per year to maintain a shared vision, address issues of mutual concern, develop strategies and agreements, provide updates on joint work plan items, and overcome obstacles.
• Renew this Accord every five years to celebrate our achievements, evaluate our processes, and update our priorities and actions.
This year, the City of Olympia and the Squaxin Island Tribe continued to strengthen their long-standing government-to-government relationship through several important joint efforts. The City completed the sale of the Plum Street property to the Tribe, supporting the Tribe’s plans to redevelop the site and create new economic opportunities in Olympia and the region. Together, the City and Tribe also celebrated the installation of the Həʔapus sqʷəbay Mother of Restoration welcome figure at Isthmus Park, carved by Squaxin Island Tribe artist Andrea Wilbur-Sigo, honoring the Tribe’s enduring connection to these lands and waters. In addition, the City and Tribe will co-host the 2026 Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration at Squaxin Park, creating a space for community learning, cultural sharing, and recognition of the many contributions of Indigenous people.
Climate Analysis:
This recognition raises awareness about the importance of protecting natural resources and responding to climate change.
Equity Analysis:
This recognition raises awareness about the contributions and achievements made by generations of Indigenous people here in the Pacific Northwest and across the nation. This recognition benefits Olympia residents as well as those in neighboring communities by increasing a sense of belonging and inclusion.
Attachments:
Proclamation