The Second Monday of October is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Cook County local government formally recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day on September 28, 2021, with the following proclamation:

WHEREAS, Cook County, MN recognizes that the Indigenous Peoples of the lands that would later become known as the Americas have occupied these lands since time immemorial; and

WHEREAS, Cook County, MN, recognizes that Cook County is built upon and shares the homelands and villages of the Indigenous Peoples of this region, without whose knowledge, labor, technology, science, philosophy, arts, and deep cultural contribution, the building of the County and the County’s character would not have been possible; and

WHEREAS, Cook County, has a responsibility to oppose the systemic racism and misunderstanding towards Indigenous People in the United States, which perpetuates poverty and income inequality, and erodes access to health, education, and social stability; and

WHEREAS, Indigenous Peoples’ Day was first proposed in 1977 by a delegation of Native Nations to the United-Nations-sponsored International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The Cook County, Minnesota, Board of Commissioners, does hereby proclaim the following:

Indigenous Peoples’ Day shall be an opportunity to celebrate the thriving cultures and positive values of the Indigenous Peoples of our region.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day shall be used to reflect upon the ongoing struggles of Indigenous People, and to celebrate the thriving culture and value that Indigenous nations add to our county.

The second Monday in October shall be recognized exclusively as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Cook County.

“Thank you to everyone who helps our community learn about and celebrate the cultures and values of Indigenous People. I am grateful to the people of Grand Portage, especially those who continue to help teach and guide everyone’s understanding of equity, diversity, and rights.” - Board Chair Dave Mills.

Today, people are encouraged to remember and celebrate the many indigenous people who have traditionally lived and currently live in the United States and its territories.