JACKSON, Wyo. — Mayor Arne Jorgensen recognized the countless contributions of Indigenous peoples throughout history by proclaiming Monday, Oct. 13, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
According to the Town, Indigenous Peoples’ Day was first proposed in 1977, by a delegation of Native Nations to the United Nations. In January 2024, Town Council affirmed a recommendation from its Equity Task Force to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Many Tribes have connections to Jackson and its surrounding area including the Bannock, Blackfoot, Crow, Eastern Shoshone, Gros Ventre, Mountain Shoshone, Nez Perce, Northern Arapaho and other Tribes.
The proclamation states that the Town of Jackson acknowledges that Native land was taken through broken treaties, resulting in the creation of the Wind River and Fort Hall Indian Reservations.
Jorgensen read in the proclamation that “we recognize Indigenous peoples’ strength, resilience and the immeasurable positive impact that they have had on every aspect of American society. Despite historical efforts to erase Indigenous cultures and ways of life through forced assimilation, termination, relocation and/or sterilization, Indigenous people continue to prosper.”
Jorgensen read that Native Americans have created vibrant and diverse cultures — safeguarding land, language, spirit, knowledge and traditions across generations. He added that Indigenous peoples have contributed to public service, entrepreneurship, scholarship, the arts and countless other fields.
“Today we also recommit to supporting a new, brighter future of promise and equity for Tribal Nations,” Jorgensen said. “We acknowledge our existence as neighbors within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and continue to work on building relationships with local Tribal members.”
The Town encourages residents, businesses, organizations and public institutions to celebrate and honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
