MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Public Museum recognized Indigenous Peoples' Day by having Native American tribes share their cultural traditions with the public.
For the Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin, this day is not just about showing the traditions of the past, but also showing a culture that thrives today.
Kelly Logan led the Ho-Chunk Nation drum group performance at the Milwaukee Public Museum. He said he has always taken great pride in his Native American heritage.
“I am full-blooded but I have a lot of friends who are maybe a quarter, or a half, and they feel as much pride — maybe even more — because they are this part Native and they are out here singing and dancing,” said Logan.
Logan said he believes it is important to share their traditional songs and dances to show people the deep roots of Native American history in Wisconsin.
“All the people came here with a culture and it's gone now. Everyone is kind of one culture but we still try to keep ours alive, language, song and dance along with normal society out here,” said Logan.
Seventeen year old Brian Bowman also took part in the Ho-Chunk Nation drum circle.
He said his Native American heritage is a big part of who he is and it’s reflected in what he’s wearing.
“Your regalia is supposed to be something of your heritage, who you are," said Bowman. "I have a very bright personality. In my regalia, I put some of my favorite shows, some of my people’s patterns and native artwork.”
He remembered being at the Wisconsin State Capitol when he was in fourth grade to push for the governor to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day.
“All the hard work that we did is being shown and is being reflected now," said Bowman. "It makes me happy and it makes everyone in the whole Native American community happy.”
"Columbus Day" is seen by some people as a celebration of colonialism and enslavement. Many have said it is offensive to America’s Indigenous people.
“[Columbus Day] was something we celebrated," said Logan. "Didn’t really know what happened. Did they teach that? No, but as I got older, more into the culture, more into the history and people started Indigenous day. It really helped the native community to come out.”
The way Logan sees it, the Ho-Chunk Nation is part of what makes Wisconsin, Wisconsin and these rituals are all about keeping the culture alive.