Gov. Tony Evers in a press release today recognized Indigenous Peoples Day through events with the Oneida Nation and the Ho-Chunk Nation as well as a video message. The message honors Wisconsin’s Native nations and reaffirms the state’s commitment to respecting tribal sovereignty and fostering strong government-to-government relationships.
First recognized in 2019 when Gov. Evers signed Executive Order No. 50 to annually designate the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day, today marks Wisconsin’s fifth consecutive year of celebration.
In 2021, in addition to recognizing the annual observance of Indigenous Peoples Day in Wisconsin, Gov. Evers signed Executive Order No. 136, issuing a formal acknowledgment and apology for Wisconsin’s historical role in Indian boarding schools. The governor’s order also included a formal declaration of support for the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative.
Wisconsin is home to 12 Native nations, including the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Forest County Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk Nation, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Oneida Nation, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Sokaogon Chippewa Community, Mole Lake Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians, and Brothertown Indian Nation.
