Item Description:
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Declaring May as American Indian Month in Hennepin County - offered by Commissioner Conley
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WHEREAS, American Indian Month was first recognized in Minnesota in 1969, as a way to highlight the contributions of Indigenous peoples and to strengthen relationships between Tribal Nations and government institutions; and
WHEREAS, the land known today as the State of Minnesota is home to American Indian people since time immemorial, and the Anishinaabe (An-ish-in-ah-bay) and Dakota, who resided on this land prior to the arrival of European settlers, played an important role in shaping the state’s history and culture, and continue to be a vital part of the community; and
WHEREAS, the county recognizes the painful history American Indians experienced starting with the earliest interactions with Europeans and European American settlers that were met with broken promises, violence, and deprivation; and
WHEREAS, we must reconcile this history while striving to establish and maintain strong relationships with Tribal Nations through their tribal governments and recognize and honor tribal sovereignty; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota includes a vibrant and diverse American Indian community comprised of 11 Tribal Nations and members of many other tribal nations from across the United States. In Hennepin County there is a resilient and robust urban American Indian community; and
WHEREAS, Hennepin County recognizes American Indians have made essential contributions to the history, culture, and economy of the county and beyond, and is committed to reducing racial disparities in the American Indian community. We seek to promote practices and policies that honor the state’s Indigenous roots, history, contributions, and sovereignty.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners proclaims May as American Indian Month honoring and acknowledging the vital role American Indians have made in shaping the state and the countless contributions to our communities. Mitakuye Oyasin. (Me-Ta-koo-yay Oh-yah-seen)
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval