WHEREAS, Indigenous Peoples have resided on these lands since time immemorial; and
WHEREAS, the City Saint Paul is built upon the homelands and villages of the Indigenous Peoples of this region, without whom the building of this city would not have been possible; and
WHEREAS, the Mdewakanton Dakota name for this land is “Imnizaska”, for the white rock bluffs along the river; and
WHEREAS, the land we now call Minnesota is filled with a tragic history including the forcible removal of Indigenous Peoples and the largest mass execution in United States history with the hanging of thirty-eight Dakota Akicita Warriors in 1862; and
WHEREAS, we recognize this painful past and honor Indigenous Peoples’ history, sacrifices, and rich contributions to our community; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul is committed to eradicating the systemic racism towards Indigenous Peoples, which has resulted in chronic cycles of poverty and economic, health, education and social disparities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul supports efforts for Indigenous Peoples to give and receive support, share resources and embark on individual and community healing; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul proudly joins fellow communities, other municipal and state governments across the country to recognize and promote awareness, appreciation, solidarity and recognition of the Indigenous Peoples of this land.
Now, Therefore, I, Melvin Carter, Mayor of the City of Saint Paul, do hereby proclaim Monday, October 12, 2020, to be Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the City of Saint Paul
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Saint Paul to be affixed this Twelfth Day of October in the Year Two Thousand Twenty.
Signed, Mayor Melvin Carter.
