Indigenous Peoples' Day

Indigenous Peoples’ Day - 2022 is celebrated on October 10 this year to honor the cultures and histories of the Native American people. On October 8, 2021, a proclamation on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, 2021 was released from The White House stating:

“Since time immemorial, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians have built vibrant and diverse cultures — safeguarding land, language, spirit, knowledge, and tradition across the generations.  On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, our Nation celebrates the invaluable contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples, recognizes their inherent sovereignty, and commits to honoring the Federal Government’s trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations.

Our country was conceived on a promise of equality and opportunity for all people — a promise that, despite the extraordinary progress we have made through the years, we have never fully lived up to.  That is especially true when it comes to upholding the rights and dignity of the Indigenous people who were here long before colonization of the Americas began. For generations, Federal policies systematically sought to assimilate and displace Native people and eradicate Native cultures. 

The contributions that Indigenous peoples have made throughout history — in public service, entrepreneurship, scholarship, the arts, and countless other fields — are integral to our Nation, our culture, and our society.  Indigenous peoples have served, and continue to serve, in the United States Armed Forces with distinction and honor — at one of the highest rates of any group — defending our security every day.” 

For the entire proclamation please click link below: A Proclamation on Indigenous Peoples' Day, 2021 | The White House

Those words continue to ring true. The City of Lewiston honors all the Tribal Nations especially those who continue to thrive today. Maine’s indigenous communities, first inhabitants, are the core of history, past, present and future. We hope that everyone takes the time to reflect, celebrate, and recognize the many indigenous communities and cultures that make up this beautiful City.

“Teach us love, compassion, and honor that we may heal the earth and heal each other.” — Ojibwa prayer