Many observed Christopher Columbus Day on Monday, but many tribal groups are pushing to swap it for Indigenous Peoples’ Day. They say it should recognize the many tribes who were pushed off of their land. They hope to find mutual respect and love moving forward.
Mayor Doug Diny and many tribal members spoke at an event celebrating Indigenous people from the past and present. They sang tribal songs and spoke the language that connected them to their ancestors.
The movement started in 2021 when President Joe Biden declared October 14th Indigenous People’s Day. The rain and gloomy skies made for a cold day, but it didn’t stop many from gathering on Washington Street.
James Pendleton, a member of the Brothertown Indian Nation, said, “I think it shows a lot. We even had the mayor here the entire time, and that shows a lot. It’s important these people need to know what’s going on in our community as well. I mean, we’re also members of the community…”
Phyllis Tousey, Brothertown Indian Nation Chairwoman, continued, “…It helps people that are here, native people, young children to know, hey, you’re important, we value you, we recognize who you are.”
After the event wrapped up, the group made a meal for everyone there to share while enjoying their time together.
We will gather at 2:00 pm at Kickbush Plaza (146 W. Washington St. – Wausau, WI – Look for us behind the Marathon County Public Library near the Wisconsin River)
Please take a look at the event poster below…
We, the undersigned Indigenous people and allies, invite you to make this year’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Oct.14th) a powerful celebration of Indigenous wisdom and resilience and of our shared commitment to living in harmony with Mother Earth and all of our relatives.
Brothertown Indian Nation Chairperson Phyllis will be speaking about our Tribe and Restoration.
We seek for Indigenous Peoples’ Day to:
Help end the confusion, lies, and lacking historical information that has led to the celebration of Christopher Columbus, a person who, along with other European colonial explorers, took part in horrific violence, land theft, slavery, and genocide against Indigenous people.
Be a celebration of the incredible resilience and contributions of Indigenous people in the face of over five centuries of land theft, genocide, and many other forms of violence.
Be a Federal Holiday that completely replaces the celebration of Christopher Columbus.
Be celebrated in Central Wisconsin by 2many nations and people from around the state.
Deepen our connections of solidarity and advance our movement for peace and the protection of basic human rights for all, our democracy, and Mother Earth
The Menominee Nation welcomed the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe from California to the Menominee homeland on September 23rd. They rested for a few days and then continued their journey to Washington, D.C., to press for federal recognition. They call their journey the “Trail of Truth.”
The Menominee tribe, AIM (American Indian Movement), and supporters from other Wisconsin Tribes came to support the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe on their cross-country journey.
Brothertown and AIM member James Pendleton represented our Tribe by carrying the Brothertown Indian Nation flag, given by the Council, to show our support. The ‘Trail of Truth” journey which began in California and continues to Washington, DC, where they will arrive on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, October 14th.
Please view the Videos and photos about the event at the bottom of this article.
About the Trail of Truth and the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe:”…We, the Muwekma Ohlone, along with other unrecognized tribes throughout California, don’t have access to educate our children for free,” Chairwoman Nijmeh said. “To uplift them from the generational trauma that we have faced, the poverty that we still live in. It’s real. It’s very real for us. We’re not going away. And that’s what this truth is about and this journey.”Click here to learn about the Truth Riders, the Muwekma Ohlone, and their struggles…
About the Menominee: The Menominee Indian Tribe’s current reservation was created in 1854 through a treaty with the United States of America. On June 17, 1954, Congress implemented Public Law 108, known as the “Termination Bill,” which President Eisenhower signed into law.
Despite many barriers, the Menominee persisted. On April 20, 1972, Wisconsin US Senators introduced Senate Bill No. 3514 in response to the Menominee’s ambition to seek reversal of termination. With the dedication and persistence of Tribal members and a coalition of supporters, President Nixon signed the Menominee Restoration Act into law on December 22, 1973. The Restoration Act was passed after two and a half years of congressional testimony. It provided for the federal recognition of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, thereby returning the nation to trust status and sovereign immunity. Learn more about the Menomonee Tribe here….
About AIM (American Indian Movement):AIM stands for the preservation of culture, language, ancestral lands, and treaties and for ending the exploitation of Native American spirituality and cultural misappropriation. We serve our tribal communities, protecting our women and children while honoring our MMIP. Learn about AIM and their efforts for the benefit of all Indigenous Tribes
Event Photos and Videos:
“As a Brothertown Member, I am honored to stand in solidarity with the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe and the Truth Riders passing through the State of Wisconsin on their trip to Washington, DC. I want to especially thank the Council leadership for allowing me this distinction in representing our Tribe.” – James Pendelton
James Pendleton, Brothertown and AIM member, carried the Brothertown flag in the Truth Riders’ honor guard.
The Truth Riders video of thanks… (Credit Menominee Indian Tribe Facebook)
Drone View of the Trail of Truth Arrival (Credit Menominee Indian Tribe Facebook)
On Monday, the White House released a presidential proclamation recognizing National Voter Registration Day, 2024. In his proclamation, President Biden writes: “The Department of the Interior is working to increase Indigenous peoples’ access to voter registration.”
If you are not registered to vote, please do so today.
Double event ahead—mark your calendars! Everyone is invited! The annual homecoming and the unveiling of a historical marker for the Dick Cemetery.
Photo by Shaun Nadolny
On the morning of October 19th, Calumet and Cross Heritage Society, Inc., in partnership with the Brothertown Indian Nation, will be hosting an unveiling ceremony in Brothertown, Wisconsin for its recently installed Dick Family Cemetery historical marker. Stick around because, in the afternoon, the Brothertown Indian Nation will be hosting the annual Brothertown Homecoming at the Community Center in FDL! Come out on Saturday, October 19th, and see the new Cultural Center and the historical marker, then enjoy some delicious food and good times with your tribal relatives!
For more information on the Agenda for the unveiling ceremony for the new Dick Family Cemetery historical marker on the morning of October 19, 2024, followed by the Brothertown homecoming immediately after, Click here…
*Calumet and Cross created the Dick Family Cemetery marker through the Wisconsin Historical Society with generous support from the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region and the Chilton Area Community Foundation.
CMFDL (Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac) Featured Guest – Shelli Dekker, member Brothertown Indian Nation will share Native American history, traditions, customs and culture through storytelling, artifacts, dance and crafting.
Kids will make dream catchers, friendship bracelets & dance!
Thursday, August 22 and 29, 10-12 p.m. No registration is required. Admission and membership are included!
Our members are the lifeblood of our Tribe, and the Mystery Drawing is only one way we show our appreciation for all members and their daily efforts in helping our tribe succeed.
————-Our latest Winner—————-
Cheri Welch who helped and attended the July 2024 Brothertown Anual Picnic was lucky enough to win the “Lucky Feather” which gives her 10 extra drawings. A big thank you goes out to all the members who helped make the Picnic such a beatiful Tribal Family event. Great food, engaging story telling, and interesting conversations were had by all, Next year we need to make it twice as large. it is an event not to miss!
Jessica’s article which was published in the June 2024 issue of the Wisconsin Lawye, can be read below as part of the article entitled “Indian Law in Wisconsin: A Primer. To read the enitire article, click here…
You can read the entire June 2024 Wisconsin Lawyer by clicking here…
Kids will make dream catchers, friendship bracelets & dance!
Click to learn more about this and other great programs/events/classes going on now and this Fall. 
