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Published on October 25, 2024
Ramsey County Celebrates Indigenous Peoples' Day with Proclamation and Cultural Festivities in St. PaulSource: Quinn Dombrowski from Berkeley, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ramsey County commemorated Indigenous Peoples' Day with a proclamation and a community event at American Indian Magnet School, per information from the county's official website. The county's acknowledgment of the occasion featured Commissioner Mai Chong Xiong proclaiming the significance of the day, in the presence of other dignitaries like Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt, Mayor Melvin Carter, and City Council Member Cheniqua Johnson.

The celebration was marked by a communal feast and performances from various groups including the Montessori American Indian Childcare Center, Ain Dah Yung Drum & Dancers, and Kalpulli Yaocenoxtli. Cultural practices such as lacrosse, archery provided by Oyate Kinipi, and traditional buffalo hide painting with artist Fern Cloud were showcase, for the community to engage with their history and heritage.

A central theme of the celebration was stated as sharing traditions, teaching, and togetherness. Participating local Native organizations like Saint Paul Indians in Action, Nashke Native Games, and the Minnesota Historical Society- Native American Initiatives Department displayed over 20 informational booths. Ramsey County departments and other entities likewise joined to honor the American Indian community by providing information and resources.

In a declaration that highlighted the historical and ongoing contributions of American Indian Minnesotans, Commissioner Xiong said, "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," as noted on the county's website. The acknowledgment also underlined the community's collective responsibility to learn more about Turtle Island and to value the lands and resources that facilitate communal living.

The county expressed its commitment to addressing systemic racism and promised to increase access and opportunities for American Indian members of the community. The emphasis is on continuing collaboration and partnership with the American Indian community to nurture a future enriched by their heritage and contributions.