Drums beat on the coastline of Milwaukee’s River Front Launch Site as Indigenous communities gathered to witness the lighting of Hoan Bridge in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Oct. 13.
Community members met at the River Front Launch Site, 600 S. Water St., to witness the annual lighting of Hoan Bridge. Every year, the bridge is lit up black, yellow, red and white, the colors of the Indigenous Medicine Wheel, in recognition of the day. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley came out in celebration and to give an executive proclamation to call on all residents of Milwaukee County to honor the sovereignty, heritage and contributions of Native Americans.
(Photo by Omar Waheed)
“’I’m excited to be here because it’s important that we continue to make sure that we lift up our Indigenous people, making sure that when a rising tide happens, all the boats are lifted because we all are connected,” Crowley said. “We all share the same air, the same water, and we all need to make sure that we’re not only protecting each other, but we’re protecting the lands that we occupy while we are here.”
The proclamation honored the longstanding contributions of Indigenous communities in Wisconsin. Crowley highlighted all 12 nations, but pointed to those that have historically inhabited Milwaukee — Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk, Ojibwe, Menominee and Anishinaabemowin.
Crowley wants Milwaukee residents to understand the gravity of the city’s connection with the land. From its name, Milwaukee, meaning “gathering place by the waters,” “good earth,” or “gathering place,” to its rivers being vital to its development and enterprises, the city sits on a land of historical significance to many.
“We’re recognizing the existence of folks who lived on this land before it was actually stolen from them,” Crowley said. “Indigenous people have taken care of these lands, understanding that these lands belong to all of us, and it’s important that we preserve it. And so it’s about not only recognizing the people, but also recognizing the traditions, recognizing the culture and understanding that we’re all in this together.”
A plaque of the proclamation was handed off to Rob Pero, founder of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association, co-founder of the Indigenous Business Group, and native to Milwaukee.
Pero has continuously worked for the advancement of Indigenous communities around Wisconsin. Prior to the executive proclamation and bridge lighting, Pero’s Indigenous Business Group held its fourth annual Indigenous Business Conference at Potawatomi Casino, 1721 W. Canal St.
“This is home to me. My family still lives here. I didn’t grow up on the reservation, but I sure feel accepted,” Pero said. “Someone had asked me, ‘How does that feel? What’s it like going into Indian Country?’ It’s daunting at first, but you are who you are. People can only meet you where you’re at. I think this is a really important sentiment to take with us as we think about what this day means.”
