WISCONSIN — Monday marks Wisconsin’s fourth annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Gov. Tony Evers first signed an executive order declaring the second Monday in October as the holiday in 2019, saying Wisconsin recognizes and apologizes “for the tragedies inflicted upon Native American communities through the former federal Indian boarding school policies.”
There are 11 federally recognized Native American Indian tribes in Wisconsin.
More than a dozen states now recognize the day as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, replacing Columbus Day. It has yet to become a federal holiday.
Here’s a list of some celebrations happening around the state to commemorate the holiday.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Hike
The U.S. Department of Arts and Culture will host a hike from the Lakeshore State Park as a part of the Wisconsin Science Festival to honor Native land surrounding Milwaukee. The county is home to the traditional territory of the Menominee, Fox, Mascouten, Sauk, Potawatomi, Ojibwe and Ho-Chunk tribes.
On the hike, you’ll learn about native uses for plants along the lakefront, and how the ecosystem of Lake Michigan has changed since European occupation. All are welcome to attend. Just meet at the park’s north entrance next to Discovery World.
Location: Lakeshore State Park, Milwaukee
Dates: Oct. 10
Indigenous Biz Con
The Indigenous Business Group is a new nonprofit aimed at promoting workplace diversity and economic interests of Indigenous communities in Wisconsin. This three-day business networking event, hosted by the group, is open to Indigenous-led businesses, Tribal officials, and non-Indigenous business owners for networking and education.
“Unlike traditional conferences, the focus of Indigenous Biz Con will be interactive roundtables and collaborative activities to provide an opportunity for the attendees to learn, network, and collaborate, ultimately building meaningful partnerships that result in business,” said nonprofit founder and managing partner of Mavid Construction Zoar Fulwilder. “Our goals for this conference are to work to break down the barriers to economic development, build community, and elevate the voices of Native entrepreneurs.”
Speakers at the event will dive into various business topics, including emerging industries, economic diversification, workforce development, Indigenous law, and more. Tribes will also present upcoming projects. Indigenous performers will include award-winning musical artist Kelly Jackson.
Location: Potawatomi Casino, Milwaukee
Dates: Oct. 10-12
Indigenous Peoples Day Powwow
The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Indigenous Student Center and Wunk Sheek will host a powwow in honor of the day at 7 p.m. It will be free for all who attend. Head drummer is LCO Badgers, head MC is Artley Skenandore, head dancers are Tessa Begay and James Flores.
UW-Madison will also fly the Ho-Chunk flag outside of Bascom Hall for the day, and for a full month in November, which is National Native American Heritage Month.
Location: Symphony Room, Gordon Dining and Event Center at UW-Madison, Madison
Dates: Oct. 10
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration
Lawrence University will hold its 7th Annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. on the lawn in front of Main Hall on campus. It will feature song, dance, food and local Native American guest speakers.
An opening prayer will be led by Dennis Kenote, a Menominee elder. The tribal chair of the Menominee Nation, Ron Corn Sr., will also speak.
The university welcomes the entire Fox Cities community to join in celebrating and learning about the many contributions of Indigenous people globally. It is open to the public and free for all to attend.
In the event of rain, the event will be moved inside to the Warch Campus Center.
Location: Main Hall, Lawrence University, Appleton
Dates: Oct. 10
Impact
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will mark Indigenous Peoples’ Day with their event, “Impact.” As a free, public event, they’ll have music, history and Native American presentations throughout the day on Monday.
Shows will begin in the Allen F. Blocher Planetarium on the second floor of the UW-Stevens Point Science Building at 4:30 p.m., with food and a reception at 5 p.m.
The event will feature several special guests, such as Sonny Smart, a professor emeritus of the Sociology and Social Work Department and member and tribal judge of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa of Wisconsin, and Jacob Grignon, a musical composer and performer.
They’ll also offer a free screening of the film, “Reel Injun,” later this month on Oct. 26. The 2009 film explores the various stereotypes of Natives in films.
Location: Allen F. Blocher Planetarium, UW-Stevens Point, Stevens Point
Dates: Oct. 10, Oct. 26
Rusk County Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration
For its first annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the Rusk County Historical Society Museum will open its Anishinaabe exhibit building from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and host various activities throughout the day. The museum began its planning on Aug. 29 by inviting residents with Native Heritage to view the Anishinaabe exhibit.
Together, they gave suggestions to honor the special day.
Location: Rusk County Historical Society Museum
Dates: Oct. 10
La Crosse Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration
In October 2018, La Crosse joined cities across the country by officially changing the second Monday of October to Indigenous Peoples’ Day. That change came both via Mayoral Proclamation and by City Council Resolution.
To honor the day, the city will host a flag raising ceremony at City Hall at 10 a.m., with a short presentation. Events will follow the ceremony at Burns Park, 701 Main St., beginning at noon. It will include presentations, food, activities and music.
Location: City Hall & Burns Park
Dates: Oct. 10