COACHELLA, Calif. (September 15, 2022) – The City of Coachella is officially the first city in the entire Coachella Valley to recognize the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples Day. In addition to observing this holiday citywide, Coachella will work to develop a celebration and activities surrounding the Coachella Valley’s Indigenous Community, which includes the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Torres-Martinez Band of Cahuilla Indians, and Twenty Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians 

“It was a unanimous decision to approve this resolution because we deeply value our local tribes, and feel that honoring this day gives them the respect and reverence that they deserve,” said Mayor Pro Tem Josie Gonzalez. “We hope this acknowledgement opens the door to other local jurisdictions following suit.”  

The Eastern Coachella Valley is home to the third largest population of the P'urhepechas, an indigenous tribe from the Mexican state of Michoacán. They form a significant part of the agricultural workforce in Coachella, which is the largest classification of employment in the City.

“Our city’s official recognition of this holiday honors our residents’ indigenous histories and identities, and plays a part in correcting the whitewashing and falsification of American history,” said Councilwoman Megan Beaman Jacinto. “This is one step in a long process that is needed to ensure that native peoples are visible, respected, celebrated, and valued – both in the past and in the present.”

ABOUT THE CITY OF COACHELLA

The City of Coachella was incorporated in 1946 and is a 29-square mile municipality of approximately 46,351 residents located in eastern Riverside County, in a region collectively known as the Coachella Valley in Southern California. Coachella is about 97 miles north of the U.S. -Mexico border and about 1.5 hours from Los Angeles. For more information, please visit the City’s website at Coachella.org.