Gov. Tony Evers, joined by Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, signed Executive Order #50 Tuesday at Indian Community School in Franklin declaring the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Wisconsin.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
Dozens of cities, counties, universities, and a few states have already adopted Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a holiday that celebrates the historic, cultural, and contemporary contributions of Indigenous people.
In the executive order, Gov. Evers recognized the importance of the Native Nations to Wisconsin and reaffirmed the significance of Native Nations’ sovereignty, culture, and history.
“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 in a press release. “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 story evolves into one that includes respect and justice.”
