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SANTA FE, NM – At the September 26, 2023, Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners’ (BCC) meeting, Commissioner Anna Hansen, (D-2) introduced a proclamation recognizing Monday, October 9th as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Americans once observed the second Monday in October to celebrate “an explorer.” However, in recent years, this designated Monday now honors Indigenous people with Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

For many years, the history and contributions of Indigenous peoples have been overlooked, misrepresented, or intentionally erased. Indigenous Peoples’ Day provides an opportunity to correct these historical injustices by acknowledging the real experiences and stories of Indigenous communities. The proclamation was read into the record by Laura Jagles, a member of Tesuque Pueblo, and Amanda Paterson-Sanchez, who is Hopi, Navajo, and Choctaw. They both take pride in their cultural heritage and are passionate in their careers as public servants at Santa Fe County.

Notably, the County has within its boundaries, eight sovereign Pueblo nations and recognizes that Indigenous Peoples have inhabited the lands known as the Americas since long before they became known as the Americas. In September 2017, the Board of County Commissioners of Santa Fe County adopted a proclamation declaring the second Monday in October of each year as Indigenous Peoples’ Day and closing all administrative offices in observation. Indigenous Peoples’ Day offers our community an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing struggles of the Indigenous people of this land, to celebrate their resilience, and honor their many contributions to our community through agricultural skills, technology, science, philosophy, art, and deep cultural contributions that have considerably shaped the character of Santa Fe County.

Through this proclamation, the County encourages residents, businesses, organizations, and public institutions to celebrate and honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a form of solidarity with Indigenous communities and support their ongoing struggle for self-determination, cultural preservation, and social justice.

Commissioner Anna Hansen emphasized that, “It is a profound honor to live in Tewa land, and it is critical that we respect Indigenous people, their participation in Santa Fe County, and celebrate their living legacy. On October 9th, there are many events for constituents to attend in celebration and solidarity.”

The Santa Fe Indigenous Center will host the first Intertribal Powwow on the Santa Fe Plaza on October 9, 2023 from 11:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The Santa Fe Indian School is also hosting a Feast Day in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which is open to the public from 10:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. The open celebration includes dances, art, music, food, and vendors.

Commissioner Hughes endorsed the proclamation by enthusiastically stating, “We are blessed to have a thriving Indigenous population and shared culture in Santa Fe County; this proclamation is a powerful reminder and affirmation to our residents.”

You can read Santa Fe County’s Proclamation here: October 9, 2023 Declared Indigenous People’s Day.

For media inquiries regarding the proclamation, contact Olivia Romo, Communications Coordinator at orromo@santafecountynm.gov.

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