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Keizer proclaims Indigenous Peoples' Day, highlights Siletz tribal history
Summary
The Keizer City Council proclaimed Oct. 13, 2025 as Indigenous Peoples' Day and heard remarks from Siletz tribal member Jerry Benn about families relocated to the Willamette Valley and the tribe's restoration efforts.
Keizer — The Keizer City Council on Oct. 6 read a proclamation and proclaimed Oct. 13, 2025 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and invited members of the community and the Siletz tribe to participate in recognition and future community efforts.
During the special-orders presentation Councilor Rob and Barney (names given by the mayor) introduced Jerry Benn, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. Benn told council and the audience his family was moved to the Salem area after termination-era policies and described a history of tribal members working in the Willamette Valley’s hop, berry and bean fields. He recounted that the Siletz achieved federal restoration in 1977 and has worked to rebuild tribal institutions.
Mayor Clark read the proclamation, which referenced the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and historical federal actions, and noted that the City of Keizer recognizes it was built on the homelands of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Mayor Clark also noted the Siletz housing ribbon cutting and the tribe’s contributions to the community.
Why it matters: The proclamation formalizes the city’s recognition of Indigenous peoples’ history and ongoing contributions and is timed to a national movement to mark an Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an alternative to Columbus Day.
Ending: The council invited Indigenous community members forward for a group photo and encouraged future collaboration to promote tribal prosperity and self-determination.
