County board proclaims Indigenous People’s Day

Extended applause from the overflow crowd greeted the adoption by the Cook County Board of a proclamation declaring “the second Monday in October shall be recognized exclusively as Indigenous People’s Day in Cook County”. The action was taken in a 3-1 vote at a special meeting Monday of the Cook County Board of Commissioners.

The proclamation was put forth by Commissioner Frank Moe and supported by Commissioners Jan Sivertson and Jeannie Storlie. Commissioner Gary Gamble cast the opposing vote and Commissioner Heidi Doo-Kirk was unable to attend.

Gamble offered an amended proclamation for consideration which would have recognized both Columbus Day and Indigenous People’s Day, but his proposal received no support from his fellow commissioners.

Numerous individuals encouraged the commissioners to pass the proclamation, including business owner and county resident of 32 years, Anna Hamilton.

“Everybody talks about community,” said Hamilton.  “Well let’s prove it. Let’s be one. Prove that we’re one community by passing this resolution.”

With one exception, the county board did just that.