Mayor Barrett declares second Monday of October Indigenous Peoples' Day

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The city of Milwaukee now has its own Indigenous Peoples' Day. 

Mayor Tom Barrett signed legislation declaring the second Monday of October as a day to recognize Native Americans. 

Wisconsin is home to 11 indigenous tribes and 86,000 Native Americans. The mayor says creating a day for them sends a strong and positive message.

"We want to be viewed as a city that brings people together and does not separate people," Barrett said. "And at this time in our nation's history, I think it is extremely important that political leaders speak out on that issue."

Earlier in October, Governor Tony Evers signed a bill creating Indigenous Peoples' Day for Wisconsin. 

The second Monday of October also marks the federal holiday known as Columbus Day.