The Vancouver City Council issued two proclamations at the Oct. 27 meeting recognizing long-standing community partnerships.

Mayor Anne McInerney Ogle read a proclamation honoring the 30th anniversary of Vancouver92s sister-city relationship with Joyo, Japan, noting the exchange of cultural, social and educational programs since the relationship began in 1995. Former Mayor Bruce Higginson, credited in the proclamation for his role in founding the sister-city relationship, recounted traveling to Japan and working with local leaders to establish student exchanges and ongoing civic ties.

"I give full credit to Mr. John Kageyama," Higginson said, crediting individual partners who helped establish the sister-city program and send students from Vancouver schools to Joyo.

The council also read a proclamation recognizing the NAACP Vancouver branch on its 80th anniversary. The mayor described the branch as a long-standing community partner in education, housing and civic participation. NAACP representatives accepted the proclamation and described continuing work on civil-rights and equity issues.

"Respect is earned and conditional, while dignity is inherent," one NAACP representative said during remarks accepting the proclamation, urging the community to continue work on civil-rights and inclusion. The NAACP representatives invited councilors to join events celebrating the anniversary.

Both proclamations were ceremonial recognitions; no formal council action or appropriation accompanied the proclamations.