Sep 15, 2016 - Chicago Passes Indigenous Peoples Day Resolution

Today, the Chicago City Council passed a resolution naming the second Monday in October, Indigenous Peoples Day.

“Victory is ours! Our Indigenous Peoples Day Resolution passed Chicago City Council today, marking the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples Day in Chicago. This is another win for Indigenous Rights as we continue to build a foundation of solidarity for all People, especially educators and students broadly. Let IPD give Indigenous Peoples the platform to speak on the burning issues like #NoDAPL and #MMIW as well as honor the many accomplishments our people have made. Next up is getting IPD passed in the State of Illinois and abolishing Columbus Day!” David Bender (Lakota-Ojibwe)

Top Row: Maggie, Rosa Gaytan, Carla, David Bender, Fawn Pochel, Lanialoha Lee
Bottom Row: Vincent Romero, Patricia Xerikos, Margaret Smith

Chicago becomes the latest city in an ever expanding movement to challenge the Federal holiday, Columbus Day, in local jurisdictions. Since 2014, after the successful Indigenous Peoples Day campaigns in Minneapolis and Seattle, over 20 cities, and the state of Alaska, have named the second Monday in October Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

“I was surprised to find out that other Indigenous groups were waiting for us to take the lead in getting IPD passed in Chicago. After all we, Native Americans, are Indigenous to this land. Protesting Columbus Day every year wasn’t working. I suddenly felt the greater need for this to get done not only for us but for all Indigenous people living in Chicago. It was a relief when the resolution was passed in the City Council. The Movement for Indigenous Peoples’ Day was long overdue! A friend in Facebook said it best: I’ve been waiting all my life for this day. Now we move on to get this passed at the state level.” Patricia Xerikos

“Indigenous Peoples Day Resolution passed! Mahalo nui to the proactive group spearheaded by AIC [American Indian Center] and joined by other indigenous community members to create an official platform to celebrate all indigenous cultures Citywide. Mahalo nui to Alderman Ameya Pewar 47Ward and Alderman Carlos Rosa 35 Ward for sponsoring and co sponsoring our Resolution. E ho’omaika’i to a job well done. Aloha Center Chicago and Ke Ali’i Victoria Ka’iulani Hawaiian Civic Club-Chicago is so very proud to support, participate and witness the good work United. Now it begins…” Lanialoha Lee