(South Dakota) Bill looks to rename First Nations Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day

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NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — A new house bill is looking to recognize the Friday before the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

House Bill 1545 would change the name of First Nations Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This change is meant to honor Indigenous people in North Dakota, as well as their history and contributions to the state and the country.

“For generations, the Indigenous people of North Dakota have contributed to the development, culture, and strength of our state,” Representative Lisa Finley-Deville said. “Whether through the resilience of our Native communities and preservation of traditions, Indigenous people play an integral role.”

Rep. Finley-DeVille says this change is a sign of respect to Indigenous people all over the U.S.

“This change recognizes that all Indigenous communities, whether they be Dakota, Lakota, Mandan, Hidatsa, or from any other tribe or nation, have made unique and shared contributions to the fabric of our society,” Rep. Finley-DeVille said.

First Nations Day was originally introduced as Senate Bill 2410 in 2003 by then Senator Dennis Bercier. In recent years, legislative efforts across the country have called for broader recognition.

Chairwoman Lonna Jackson-Street from the Spirit Lake Tribe says that adopting this day will make North Dakota a part of the national movement to provide recognition, and Representative Collette Brown agrees.

“There is a growing call for tribal citizens and advocates to make this change,” Rep. Brown said. “Recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day resonates deeply within our community and reflects a commitment to inclusivity and respect for all Native people.”

Rep. Brown says this day would be about more than just the Native Americans in North Dakota.

“By doing this, we are not only honoring the tribes of North Dakota, but we’re honoring all indigenous people of North Dakota who work and live here.”

This bill is currently pending in the House Agriculture Committee.

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