On Monday, October 10, Sauk County celebrated Indigenous
Peoples’ Day at Meyer Oak Grove Park in Sauk City, Wisconsin.
Members of the Ho-Chunk Nation and community members of Sauk
City gathered to honor the Sauk people, who now comprise three federally
recognized Sac and Fox Nations within Iowa, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
The Sauk people have occupied the area since the 1700s. They
had a large village for over 40 years along the river banks of Wisconsin. More
than 90 houses were built and over 1,000 people lived in the village at the
time. They were known for planting hundreds of acres of corn, beans, and
melons.
“This diversity strengthens and enrichens the lives of all
residents of Sauk County,” said Tim McCumber; Chair of Sauk County Board of
Supervisors.
“In order to
encourage a greater, appreciation, for the Indigenous people, Sauk County seeks
to recognize and promote the enormous contributions the Ho-Chunk Nation has and
continues to make to our country, state, and Nation. Therefore, the Sauk County
Board of Supervisors met in regular session to declare the second Monday in
October, Indigenous Peoples’ Day.”
Sponsors of the event include Sauk County Historical
Society; the Ho-Chunk Nation; Sauk County; and the Village of Sauk.