Minneapolis To Observe Indigenous Peoples Day

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Minneapolis city government offices, including Minneapolis 311, will be closed Monday, Oct. 9, in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day. City offices will resume regular business hours Tuesday, Oct. 10.

There will be no change to the Minneapolis garbage and recycling pickup schedule. Households’ garbage and recycling collection will take place on Monday, Oct. 9. However, the Downtown office and help line and the South Transfer Station will be closed.

The city's parking meters will not be enforced on the holiday, but all other parking restrictions in the city remain in effect and subject to enforcement, including Park Board meters along Minneapolis parkways, University of Minnesota parking meters and those of private organizations that operate their own meters.

Always read the information posted on the meter to be certain. The office closings do not affect 911 or Minneapolis police and fire emergency services.

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Indigenous Peoples Day

In 2014, the Minneapolis City Council and Mayor Betsy Hodges approved a resolution that recognizes the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day in Minneapolis.

Along with the federal government, Minneapolis had for many years recognized the second Monday in October as Columbus Day. The 2014 resolution replaced Columbus Day with a day celebrating the significance of the American Indian and Indigenous community in Minneapolis and the city’s history of American Indian activism.

In part, the resolution states, “The City of Minneapolis recognizes the annexation of Dakota homelands for the building of our city, and knows Indigenous nations have lived upon this land since time immemorial and values the progress our society has accomplished through American Indian technology, thought, and culture.”

It goes on to resolve that, “The City of Minneapolis shall continue its efforts to promote the well-being and growth of the Minneapolis American Indian and Indigenous community. … Indigenous Peoples Day shall be used to reflect upon the ongoing struggles of Indigenous people on this land, and to celebrate the thriving culture and value that Dakota, Ojibwe, and other Indigenous nations add to our city.”

As part of the resolution, Minneapolis encourages other businesses, organizations and other public entities to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day.

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