MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers on Oct 14th, recognized and celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day with a video message honoring Native Nations in Wisconsin and reaffirming the state’s commitment to respecting Tribal Sovereignty and fostering strong government-to-government relationships to build a brighter, more prosperous future for the state and Indigenous people and communities.

First formally recognized by the state in 2019 when Gov. Evers signed Executive Order #50 to annually designate the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, today marks the sixth consecutive year that Wisconsin has celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day. A copy of this year’s Indigenous Peoples Day proclamation is available here.

In 2021, in addition to recognizing the annual observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Wisconsin, Gov. Evers signed Executive Order #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.

The governor’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day video message is available for use here, and a transcript of the message is available below:

Hey there, folks. Governor Tony Evers here.  

In my first year as governor, I was proud to sign two executive orders—one affirming the sovereign authority of Tribal Nations, and another designating the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the state of Wisconsin.  

And every year on this day, we celebrate the generations of resilient Tribal communities, rich cultures, languages, and traditions that have formed deep roots here since long before Wisconsin became a state. 

Wisconsin is home to 12 Tribal Nations, and as governor, maintaining our government-to-government relationship with the Tribal Nations will always be one of my top priorities.  

That’s why, last year, I was proud to sign a state budget that made critical investments in the strength and well-being of the Indigenous communities across the state—including investments to expand access to child care in Tribal areas and child welfare services, support the Tribal Elder Community Food Box Program, and increase funding for Tribal veterans services. 

As we reflect on everything our Tribal communities have given to our state, I’m hopeful this next year, that I’ll be able to sign a biennial budget that will continue giving back.

So, today, I invite you to join me in honoring our Native Nations and the immense contribution Indigenous people have made on our state.

So, happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Wisconsin.    

Thank you, and take care.