SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—On Monday, September 20, Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro and County Council passed legislation recognizing North American First People’s Day, celebrated on October 4, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which lasts through October.
In 2019, Executive Shapiro and County Council passed legislation declaring the first Monday of every October North American First People’s Day to honor the first inhabitants of Summit County and this country, and offer an occasion to educate people of all ages. Students at The Lippman School of Akron, which has a longstanding exchange relationship with the Northern Cheyenne Nation of Montana, prompted the initiative.
“North American First People’s Day is a special opportunity to reflect upon past harms inflicted on Native Americans and honor all descendants of Native Americans who continue to make important contributions to our nation,” said Executive Shapiro. “By studying and reflecting on this history, we are more likely to avoid unfair treatment of marginalized groups of people in the future.”
There are several local events planned to commemorate North American First People’s Day, including the fifth annual Portage Path Walk on Sunday, October 3. Members of the Northern Cheyenne Nation will lead the walk. A complete listing of events is available at https://walkportagepath.com/walk-2021.
In declaring October Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Executive Shapiro and Council seek to recognize the many losses of family members and friends to breast cancer, celebrate survivors and their courage, and emphasize the need for more early detection and finding a cure. The American Cancer Society reports breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women, and one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
“Too many of us know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer or someone who was taken from us by this awful disease. In October, and throughout the year, we should honor those we’ve lost and the survivors, and call attention to the need for additional research and care,” said Executive Shapiro.
Locally, the Susan G. Komen Foundation is sponsoring the 2021 Komen Akron MORE THAN PINK Walk on October 2, in conjunction with a week of other activities beginning on September 27. Details for this event are available at https://secure.info-komen.org/site/TR?fr_id=8670&pg=informational&type=fr_informational&sid=6172.