LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Los Angeles City Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandez introduced a package of legislation Wednesday aimed at redressing harms caused to Indigenous communities and advancing more inclusive language.

In consultation with local Indigenous scholars, Hernandez introduced two motions and a resolution intended to ensure that "all cultures and languages are represented at the city and that everyone has equal access to participate in their local government."

"While Los Angeles prides itself in being a place where we embrace our diverse backgrounds, we still see the impact of centuries of harm on our Indigenous communities in our city," Hernandez said in a statement. "It's time we acknowledge the harm done, and truly invest in the resources necessary to address the language barriers and make sure everyone feels empowered to participate in their local government."

The first motion directs the city's Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department to report back on the feasibility of creating a commission on the lived experience of Indigenous peoples from countries other than the United States living in the city.

The commission would include, but not be limited to, the Oaxacan community of Mexico. The councilwoman's motion comes in response to last year's leaked audio tape of a conversation among city leaders that included racist remarks by former Council President Nury Martinez.

Among other alarming sentiments that can be heard in that conversation, there were "clear and indefensible anti-Oaxacan remarks made," Hernandez's office said in a statement.

In addition, Hernandez introduced a resolution formalizing an apology on behalf of the city to the Oaxacan and Indigenous communities for the racist remarks made in the leaked audio.

The resolution further condemns the use of denigrating terms heard in the conversation and commits the city to working with Indigenous communities to improve city services.

Hernandez's second motion calls upon the Community Investment for Families Department to create a City Council Language Justice Plan. The plan would enhance accessibility for the city's Council File Management System, agendas, and multilingual interpretation services for all City Council meetings, including committees.

According to Hernandez's office, the city does not have a Language Access Plan, though there are hundreds of languages other than English spoken in the city — limiting Angelenos' ability to engage and interact with their local government.