On this page you will find the latest press releases and statements from the Office of Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.
10/6/2023 8:24:07 AM
[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan will celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday, October 9. Monday marks the first Indigenous Peoples Day as a State holiday in Minnesota.
“Indigenous Peoples Day serves as a time to celebrate the 11 Tribal Nations and the diverse Native communities that continue to strengthen our state’s cultural landscape, economy, and heritage each and every day,” said Governor Walz. “It’s also a reminder of our commitment to strengthening and growing our relationships with Minnesota’s Native communities and tribal governments today and every day.”
“This has been years in the making, and I’m thrilled to celebrate the first Indigenous Peoples Day in Minnesota as a state holiday,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “Native people are still here, and we’ve always been here. Honoring and marking that is an important step in the work to make sure our history continues to be told for our children and our children’s children. Thank you to the advocates and legislators who have been working to make this day a reality for many years. We have so much to celebrate.”
In 2021, Governor Walz signed a historic bill to put government-to-government relations and consultation into law. The law affirms tribal sovereignty; requires state agencies to appoint tribal-state liaisons and recognizes the unique legal relationship between the State of Minnesota; and mandates tribal-state relations training for state leaders and employees.
Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan continue their work to improve government-to government relationships with the 11 Tribal Nations in Minnesota and strengthen Native communities across the state. This work includes:
