Although the county and ISD 166 school board discussions of the adoption of Indigenous Peoples’ Day to replace Columbus Day fell between meetings of the City of Grand Marais, Mayor Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux has weighed in on the issue with a proclamation.
A question arose regarding the validity of a proclamation without city council endorsement. The Minnesota League of Cities April 2013 Minnesota Mayors Handbook states the following regarding Mayoral and City Proclamations: Except as otherwise provided by law, all mayoral and city proclamations recognizing events, persons, and official observances shall be adopted by a majority of councilmembers present at the meeting where such proclamation is presented for adoption.
Arrowsmith DeCoux said he had researched the question and said, “Since the proclamation is not binding it has no force of any kind beyond being a gesture. Therefore a quorum or approval by the council is not necessary.”
Arrowsmith DeCoux noted that he had issued a proclamation in March 2015 recognizing Girl Scout Week with the council endorsing the proclamation after the fact because of timing of the Girl Scout Recognition Week.
Other proclamations, such as the request to declare “International Peace Day” in September 2014 and September 2015 did come before the full council.
The decision to issue the proclamation on his Grand Marais Mayor’s blog was lauded by many who commented and commended the action. One commentor wrote, “Thank you for your thoughtfully worded proclamation” and another said, “Way to elevate the situation, thank you.” Others simply wrote “thank you,” “wonderful” or “Hooray!”
The proclamation follows, in part
WHEREAS, the City of Grand Marais recognizes that the Indigenous Peoples of the lands that would later become known as the Americas have occupied these lands since time immemorial; and
WHEREAS, the City of Grand Marais recognizes that Grand Marais is built upon and shares the homelands and villages of the Indigenous Peoples of this region, without whose knowledge, labor, technology, science, philosophy, arts, and deep cultural contribution the building of the City and the City’s character would not have been possible; and
WHEREAS, the City of Grand Marais has a responsibility to oppose the systemic racism and misunderstanding towards Indigenous People in the United States, which perpetuates poverty and income inequality, and erodes access to health, education, and social stability;
THEREFORE, I, Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux, Mayor of the City of Grand Marais, do hereby proclaim:
Section 1. Indigenous Peoples’ Day shall be an opportunity to celebrate the thriving cultures and positive values of the Indigenous Peoples of our region.
Section 2. The Cook County Public Schools and other educational institutions are encouraged to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Section 3. Businesses, organizations, and public institutions are encouraged to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Section 4. Indigenous Peoples’ Day shall be used to reflect upon the ongoing struggles of Indigenous People, and to celebrate the thriving culture and value that Indigenous nations add to our city.
Section 5. The second Monday in October shall be declared as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the City of Grand Marais.
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