Toledo Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Indigenous Peoples’ Day

The City of Toledo recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and proclaimed Oct. 12, 2026, Indigenous Peoples’ Day in declarations issued by Mayor Tracy Mix.

Toledo held its Domestic Violence Awareness Candlelight Vigil on Saturday, Oct. 3. The city’s proclamation says the annual vigil brings the community together to honor victims and survivors, remember those who have died, share information about services, and show support and hope.

The proclamation recognizes that domestic violence affects people across ages, backgrounds, identities, abilities, and economic circumstances. It may involve physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, or financial abuse, as well as threats and isolation. It honors survivors’ resilience and affirms that responsibility for abuse rests with those who commit it. The city also recognized Siletz CARE, Centro de Ayuda, and other local and regional partners providing information, advocacy, and support.

In its Indigenous Peoples’ Day proclamation, Toledo acknowledged that the city stands on lands connected to the ancestral homelands of Indigenous peoples represented by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. It notes that the Coast Reservation, also known as the Siletz Reservation, was established by executive order signed by President Franklin Pierce on Nov. 9, 1855, encompassing approximately 1.1 million acres along the Oregon coast, including the area where Toledo now stands.

The proclamation recognizes the harms Indigenous peoples have experienced, including forced removal, loss of ancestral lands, and efforts to suppress their languages and cultures. It also honors the perseverance, cultural knowledge, leadership, contributions, and stewardship of Indigenous peoples, and recognizes the sovereignty of Tribal nations.

Oregon observes Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the second Monday in October. Toledo’s proclamation names Oct. 12, 2026, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day and encourages residents to learn from Indigenous peoples, challenge harmful stereotypes, and respect Indigenous identities and experiences.