Milwaukee Common Council votes to proclaim second Monday in October Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Following in the footsteps of other government bodies, the Milwaukee Common Council on Tuesday approved proclaiming the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the city.

The day is federally recognized as Columbus Day.

Ald. Chantia Lewis, who co-sponsored the resolution, said Christopher Columbus committed genocide despite what is often taught about him. This measure instead honors indigenous people, she said.

Native American motivational speaker and cultural activist Brian Frejo offered a special invocation at Tuesday's Common Council meeting as part of the celebration of the resolution.

Milwaukee County previously made the designation and on Monday unveiled the newly renamed Indigenous Peoples' Park.

Gov. Tony Evers used an executive order to create Indigenous Peoples' Day, but the state observance will coincide with the federal Columbus Day.

The moves are part of a conversation happening across the nation.

Milwaukee's resolution did not pass without a bit of a debate.

Ald. Bob Donovan, the lone vote against the measure, challenged the characterization of Columbus as having committed genocide. He said he felt compelled as a Catholic to stand up for Columbus' faith, which Donovan said was "an exceedingly important aspect of his life."

"While I have absolutely no problem in recognizing the struggles of our indigenous peoples, I am not prepared to do it at the expense of another group or individual like, in this case Christopher Columbus, and I might add, Italian people," he said.

Ald. Nik Kovac said the city action is overdue and a step forward in "being honest about our history." In response to Donovan, Kovac said "genocide" is a kind way to describe what happened.

Ald. Mark Borkowski abstained, saying he wished he could have it both ways as Evers essentially did — recognizing both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day. 

Ultimately, the measure passed with 13 votes in favor.

The Common Council also approved measures: 

• Directing the Election Commission to put on the April 7 ballot a non-binding referendum asking voters if the city should request that state legislators pass a law to create a non-partisan method for drawing legislative district maps.
• Changing a Milwaukee ordinance to permit small clubs to register as performing arts centers. The change allows people under 21 years old to attend concerts while the venue also sells alcohol, opening the door to all-ages shows.
• Banning smoking within 30 feet of public buildings the city owns or leases. 
• Hiring outside attorneys from New York law firm Napoli Shkolnik to represent the city in potential litigation over the costs of the opioid epidemic.

Contact Alison Dirr at 414-224-2383 or adirr@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter @AlisonDirr.