The St. Louis Park City Council recently passed a proclamation observing 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 is observed with education, celebration and advocacy for topics impacting American Indian communities across the state.
To celebrate Native American month, the City of St. Louis Park invites you to:
- Get involved in how Minnesota celebrates May as Native American/American Indian Heritage Month.
- Learn about the history of Native American/American Indian communities in our state and city.
- Connect with Native American/American Indian organizations in Minnesota.
- Educate yourself on native land you reside or work in.
Proclamation
The proclamation reads:
Whereas, Native American communities are an integral part of the diversity that makes St. Louis Park a great place to experience life; and
Whereas, Minnesota celebrates Native American Month in May to recognize and honor Native American cultures, contributions, history, traditions, art and land; and
Whereas, the lands that make up St. Louis Park are the ancestral and contemporary homelands of a vibrant and diverse Native American community comprised of 11 sovereign tribal governments, including the Dakota (Sioux) and Anishinaabe (Chippewa, Ojibwe) with unique government to government relationships with the State of Minnesota, as well as a robust urban Native American communities that include tribal affiliations from across the country; and
Whereas, Native American entrepreneurs, educators, artists, community, spiritual and political leaders have helped create a more just and inclusive community for all; and
Whereas, Many Native American Minnesotans remind us daily of our rich Native American heritage including Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, Ojibwe, who grew up in the City of St. Louis Park, the highest ranking Native American woman elected to executive office in the United States; Heid E. Erdrich, Ojibwe, author of seven award winning poetry collections; Henry Boucha, Ojibwe, Minnesota hocky legend, Olympic silver medalist, and NHLer; and Ohiyesa, also known as Charles Eastman, Dakota, physician and famed published author; and Whereas, state and federally sanctioned laws and practices have contributed to the historical and generational trauma and displacement of Native American 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 Native American 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 2025 as Native American month in our community.
