Celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day in Ramsey County
On Oct. 14 Commissioner Mai Chong Xiong issued an Indigenous Peoples' Day proclamation on behalf of Ramsey County at the American Indian Magnet School. Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt was also in attendance along with Mayor Melvin Carter and Saint Paul City Council Member Cheniqua Johnson.
The celebration included a community feast, special performances from the Montessori American Indian Childcare Center, Ain Dah Yung Drum & Dancers and Kalpulli Yaocenoxtli, as well as lacrosse, archery with Oyate Kinipi and traditional buffalo hide painting with Fern Cloud. This year’s celebration was centered around sharing traditions, teaching and togetherness. It included over 20 tables from local Native organizations such as Saint Paul Indians in Action, Nashke Native Games, Minnesota Historical Society- Native American Initiatives Department and NACDI-Make Voting a Tradition. Ramsey County departments including Workforce Solutions, Elections, Social Services, Financial Assistance Services, Parks & Recreation and Veterans Services as well as Saint Paul Public Libraries and Metropolitan Council shared information and celebrated our American Indian community.
“We encourage all residents in community to honor and celebrate the many American Indian Minnesotans and Ramsey County residents that remind us daily of our rich American Indian heritage," said Commissioner Xiong. "We encourage all residents to learn more about Turtle Island and her teachings. To honor and respect our lands and the gifts given to us that allow us to live and thrive here as a community together."
Ramsey County strives to eliminate systemic racism towards American Indian people and is committed to ensure greater access and opportunity for our American Indian relatives today and for future generations. We do this work together, walking alongside and with the American Indian community.