Wisconsin’s top elected Democrats, and many state agencies, took time Monday to celebrate Indigenous People’s Day.
“In my first year as governor, I was proud to sign two executive orders—one affirming the sovereign authority of Tribal Nations, and another designating the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the state of Wisconsin,” the governor said in a video on Twitter. “And every year on this day, we celebrate the generations of resilient Tribal communities, rich cultures, languages, and traditions that have formed deep roots here since long before Wisconsin became a state.”
The second Monday of October has traditionally been Columbus Day. It is still a federal holiday. But Democrats in Wisconsin ignored Columbus Day to focus instead on the state’s indigenous people.
“Today and every day, we celebrate the diverse cultures and achievements of Wisconsin's sovereign tribal nations and we recognize their voices, which have too often gone unheard,” Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer said in a post on Twitter.
“Today, Wisconsin celebrates #IndigenousPeoplesDay — an acknowledgement of Native & Indigenous communities’ continued resilience despite centuries of exploitation & genocide,” Madsion Democratic Congressman Mark Pocan said in a Twitter post of his own. “We can never erase their history or our country's part in it.”
Even state agencies got-in on the indigenous people’s celebration.
“Today – and every day – we celebrate the cultural, social, and economic contributions of Native peoples across Wisconsin. We recognize the long-lasting impact of colonialism on Native communities and commit to working together for a better future. Happy Indigenous People's Day!” the Wisconsin Department of Health Services said in a message.
“On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, DATCP recognizes the great historical, present, and future contributions of Indigenous people. DATCP is committed to collaborating and partnering with the sovereign Tribal nations located in Wisconsin,” the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection said on Twitter.
Even Wisconsin’s Housing and Economic Development Authority joined-in.
“WHEDA recognizes and celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day,” the WHEDA said in a tweet. “Today and every day, we honor the legacy, heritage, and resilience of Indigenous people and their communities, which informs our work and vision for a collaborative future.”
Republican State Rep. Angie Sapik (R-Lake Nebagamon) was one of the few elected leaders in the state to take to Twitter to celebrate Columbus Day.
“Happy Columbus Day!” she said on Twitter while posting the quote from former University of Wisconsin President Charles Kendall Adams.
“In all parts of the Old World, as well as of the New, it was evident that Columbus had kindled a fire in every mariner’s heart/ That fire was the harbinger of a new era for it was not to be extinguished.”
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