Pipestone County commissioners voted unanimously last week to recognize the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day.
Eugene Strong, an American Indian, suggested the county adopt the resolution, which 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.
"We were very pleased to work with him on that and accommodate and do the resolution," said Steve Ewing, county administrator. "We're not doing away with Columbus Day. ... It's a federal holiday. All we're doing is recognizing indigenous peoples, and we think it was a good move."
Ewing said that Strong also got a good reaction from the city of Pipestone and Mayor Myron Koets.
"The city and the mayor were very responsive to his information," Ewing said.
No one spoke against the resolution, led by Commissioner Luke Johnson.
"Pipestone County shall continue its efforts to promote the well-being and growth of the local American Indian Community and Indigenous Community," the resolution says. "Indigenous Peoples Day shall be used to reflect upon the ongoing struggles of Indigenous People on this land, and to celebrate the thriving culture and value Indigenous Nations add to our county."
The resolution also encourages businesses, organizations and public entities to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day.
DAN BROWNING
