At its May 6 meeting, the St. Louis Park City Council passed a proclamation observing May as American Indian Heritage Month. American Indian Heritage Month is observed in the State of Minnesota each May in recognition of the 11 tribal nations that have ancestral and contemporary homelands in the state. It’s observed with education, celebration and advocacy for topics impacting American Indian communities across the state.

Proclamation 

The proclamation reads:

Whereas, American Indian communities are an integral part of the diversity that makes St. Louis Park a great place to experience life;

Whereas, Minnesota celebrates American Indian Month in May to recognize and honor American Indian cultures, contributions, history, traditions, art and land; and

Whereas, the lands that make up St. Louis Park are the ancestral and contemporary homelands of different American Indian nations and communities, including the Dakota and Anishinaabe; and

Whereas, American Indian entrepreneurs, educators, and community, spiritual and political leaders have helped create a more just and inclusive community for all; and

Whereas, state and federally sanctioned laws and practices have contributed to the historical and generational trauma and displacement of American Indian nations; and

Whereas, this month is an opportunity to take steps forward and work together to build practices and policies that eliminate discrimination and promote understanding and respect of American Indian communities and their tribal sovereignty.

Now therefore, let it be known that the mayor and city council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, hereby observe May 2024 as American Indian Month in our community.