DECLARING THE SECOND MONDAY IN OCTOBER AS INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY IN SAUK COUNTY

: Indigenous Peoples’ Day began in commemoration of 500 years of survival and renewal of Indigenous Nations in the face of genocide, colonization, political, religious, and cultural repression. Sauk County recognizes that the Indigenous Peoples of this hemisphere have lived on these lands since time immemorial, and the County recognizes the fact that Sauk County is built upon the homelands of the indigenous people of this region. An indigenous culture that has been in Sauk County, as in all parts of this hemisphere, has been severely disrupted, and yet indigenous people have survived, and continue to persevere in the face of current injustices and oppression. Sauk County seeks to continue to support Indigenous Nations’ struggles for social and environmental justice, religious freedom and tribal sovereignty. The United States federal government and the State of Wisconsin currently, on the second Monday of October, have chosen to honor Christopher Columbus, a man whose life included violence and enslavement of native peoples. Sauk County honors our County’s indigenous roots and history, and seeks with this celebration to bring greater understanding to the people of Sauk County regarding indigenous cultures and the enormous contributions they have made and continue to make to our nation and to Sauk County. Sauk County’s governmental entities shall recognize the second Monday of October of each year as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Sauk County will strive to collaborate with the indigenous communities of the area. Sauk County shall continue its efforts to promote the well-being and growth of all people in Sauk County who identify as indigenous, native, American Indian, or First Peoples.