Soon visitors, permanent and summer residents and travelers along NYS Routes 28/30 will be greeted with banners welcoming everyone to the Town of Indian Lake.  The banners read “All Are Welcome Here” followed by the new Indian Lake Logo and multicolored hand-prints framing the perimeter. 

The banners are the result of a partnership between the Indian Lake Equality and Justice Committee (Committee) and the Indian Lake Town Council (Board).  Funding for the banners is coming from private and organizational donations.  The Town Highway Department will install the banners on designated utility poles.  

In response to numerous events demonstrating racial intolerance both at the national and regional level, a resolution was proposed and approved last July by the Board endorsing the Town’s commitment to be a welcoming, inclusive and safe community for all.  In part, the resolution reads:  “WHEREAS, it is essential that the Town of Indian Lake commits itself to ensuring equality, equal justice and opportunity for all regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation”.  The resolution further encourages all residents to take actions to support that goal.   

The Committee was formed to demonstrate through the creation and sponsorship of activities, that our community is truly committed to equality and justice for all.  In addition to the Banner Project, the Committee was an active participant in the Hamilton County Police Reform and Reinvention Collaboration Plan; providing input to the plan by suggesting additional considerations to include the use of body cameras and policies for their use.  As the Committee moves forward it will partner with the County, Town, community organizations, local businesses, religious institutions and the Indian Lake Central School to enhance awareness of social issues and to be more tolerant and welcoming toward others different from ourselves.