indigenous people

In October 2019, the Dallas City Council approved a resolution recognizing the second Monday in October as Indigenous People’s Day, replacing the date that was previously recognized as Columbus Day. Council member Omar Narvaez, District 6 was the sponsor of the resolution.

On October 12, 2020 representatives of many organizations from the Dallas Native American Community gathered with City of Dallas Council members to acknowledge Indigenous Peoples Day and show their support of the resolution. Organizations represented were: Red-Handed Warrior Society, Dallas Indian Methodist Church, Urban Inter-tribal Center of Texas, The Caddo Texas Initiative, American Indian Heritage Day of Texas, Native American Business Association and Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women-Texas Chapter.

All social distancing protocols were followed. Masks were provided by ARISE Veterans Foundation through the Native American Business Association. Hand sanitizer was provided by Prolora, an American Indian owned business.

Traditional drum music provided by Lance Tahchawwickah, citizen of the Comanche Nation.

Left to Right: LeRoy Pena (Red Handed Warrior Society), John Tiddark (Urban Intertribal Center of Texas), Diana Parton (Chairman, The Caddo Texas Initiative) Amanda Smith (Native American Business Association), Omar Narvaez (Dallas City Councilmember – District 6)

In the back is Lance Tachawwickaah, Citizen of the Comanche Nation – He did the opening and closing prayer songs.