Submitted by San Juan County.
The County Council issued a proclamation recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The proclamation celebrates the valuable contributions of the Latino community and encourages residents to patronize Latino-run businesses, engage in conversations with Latino friends and neighbors and support local organizations that seek to make San Juan County an inclusive and welcoming space for all.
Taking steps forward
San Juan County continues to work to develop policies, programming and services that serve the local Latino community. To strengthen communication and remove barriers to access, the County is finalizing a comprehensive Language Access Plan that will make important resources more accessible to residents who speak languages other than English, including Spanish and Portuguese. Outlining translation and interpretation tools for the County, this effort reflects a broader commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that language is not an obstacle to receiving essential services or participating fully in County programs.
Additionally, the County is actively creating spaces that celebrate Latino culture and strengthen community connections. For the second year, the annual County Fair featured an evening of entertainment dedicated to Latin music. Local Orcas Island band Lilo Sanchez and the Small Ideas, along with international bands, led the crowd in a night of dancing and celebrating.
The County also continues to work alongside the Latino community on a variety of projects, including bilingual dental clinics and public health initiatives, and is grateful for the opportunity to continue building relationships with local partners.
While progress has been made, the County recognizes that there is still important work to do to better serve the Latino community. The County plans to continue expanding access to information, strengthening outreach and ensuring that services are responsive to the community’s needs. The County remains committed to listening, learning and improving so that all residents feel included and valued.
