Reedsburg will host Indigenous Peoples’ Day this year

This week, the Reedsburg Area Chamber of Commerce announced it has been chosen to host Sauk County’s 2021 Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

This event, which was created in partnership between the Sauk County Board and Sauk County Historical Society, recognizes the sacrifices and contributions made by American Indians.

Indigenous People’s Day is free and scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 11 outside the chamber. It will feature comments from dignitaries, as well as descendants of Ho-Chunk Chief Blue Wing. There will also be Ho-Chunk drummers, a history walk, food and a land acknowledgement recognition by Madison College.

According to the chamber, it was chosen due to its historical significance. It is located in the former train depot where local residents successfully prevented Ho-Chunk residents from being forcefully removed by the federal government in 1873. As a result, Chief Blue Wing and his family were able to remain, where they continued to foster a positive relationship with the white settlers. The connection continues to this day.

The first two Indigenous Peoples’ Days were held in 2019 and 2020 in Baraboo, but the goal was to move the celebration around the county. This year, Reedsburg was selected. Sauk City is the target for next year.