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A resolution recognizing the newly renamed Wasioto Park and the hard work of local community members in championing the change and acknowledging the ancient and contemporary contributions of Indigenous people.
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WHEREAS, on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation unanimously approved the request of the Indigenous Peoples Coalition to rename Cumberland Park to Wasioto Park; and
WHEREAS, in July, the Indigenous Peoples Coalition, chaired by Albert Bender, submitted a request to the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation for the renaming of the park to “Wasioto”, which is the Shawnee name for the Cumberland River; and
WHEREAS, Wasioto Park provides public green space along the Cumberland River and will be an important space as the East Bank is developed; and
WHEREAS, in addition to the work of the Indigenous Peoples Coalition, the name change was also supported by the WilCo Pow Wow, the Native American Indian Association, the Nashville Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and the Global Education Center; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Department of Parks and Recreation solicited public input for the name change over a 30-day period, which resulted in 236 votes, of which 208 were in favor of the name change; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognize the work of the Indigenous Peoples Coalition, Albert Bender, the WilCo Pow Wow, the Native American Indian Association, the Nashville Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and the Global Education Center, and many others in renaming Cumberland Park to Wasioto Park in recognition of the important and deep history of indigenous communities in Nashville and Davidson County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as recognizing the newly renamed Wasioto Park and the hard work of local community members in championing the change and acknowledging the ancient and contemporary contributions of Indigenous people.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.