Milwaukee City Wire

Monday, October 14, marks Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day dedicated to acknowledging the resilience of First Nations and the importance of their Tribal sovereignty, cultures, and histories. Wisconsin recognized this observance in 2019 when Governor Tony Evers signed Executive Order #50 in Franklin. A year later, the Milwaukee Board of School Directors followed suit by declaring the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Milwaukee Public Schools.

Wisconsin is home to twelve Native American Tribes and Bands: Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Forest County Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk Nation, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Oneida Nation, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Mole Lake (Sokaogon Chippewa Community) Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Saint Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians, and Brothertown Indian Nation.

In 1989, Wisconsin Act 31 mandated that public schools teach students about First Nations within the state. Schools and educators are encouraged to use Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an opportunity to educate students on Native histories and Tribal sovereignty.

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) offers resources through its First Nations Studies program. This initiative provides cultural classes such as beading and drumming workshops for parents and a college access program for Native students.

Community members can deepen their understanding by attending events like the Hunting Moon Pow Wow from October 18-20 at the Baird Center downtown. This event is free and features drumming competitions and traditional dress displays.

Additionally, resources like PBS Wisconsin's website The Ways offer videos celebrating Great Lakes Native cultures. The PBS series Tribal Histories also presents stories from elders across all Wisconsin tribes.