FRANLKIN, WI (WSAU) — This coming Monday will be Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Wisconsin after Governor Tony Evers signed an executive order setting the holiday for the second Monday in October statewide.
“Through this executive order, we recognize and appreciate our tribal nations and Indigenous people and their resilience, wisdom, and the contributions they make to our state,” said Gov. Evers. “Native Americans in Wisconsin and throughout our country have suffered unjust treatment—often at the hands of our government—and today is about recognizing that Wisconsin would not be all that it is without Indigenous people.
“Today, we seek to recognize and honor our state’s Indigenous communities while moving beyond a dated practice that perpetuates inaccurate teachings and honors genocide,” Lt. Gov. Barnes said. “The story of Wisconsin’s Indigenous people has long been one of resistance and resilience. In the coming years, our administration will work to ensure that the story evolves into one that includes respect and justice.”
In signing the declaration Evers and Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes called on all businesses, organizations, public institutions, and local governments to be in solidarity with Indigenous people by recognizing, celebrating and cultivating strong relationships with Wisconsin Native Nations.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day began in South Dakota in the late 1980s and over the last 30 years has been adopted by several other cities and states. The City of Wausau and Marathon County declared their first Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2018.
The executive order was signed on Tuesday at Indian Community School in Franklin.
