May 2024 declared as American Indian Month by board
The board of commissioners has declared May 2024 as American Indian Month.
The land in present day known as Ramsey County is located on the ancestral and contemporary lands of American Indian people. It is home to the American Indian people of Turtle Island since time immemorial and holds great historical, spiritual and personal significance for its original stewards. The building of this county would not have been possible without the American Indian people of Turtle Island.
The name Ramsey County uncovers the truths and long-standing impact, harm, genocide and racism – at the direction of Governor Ramsey – to forcefully remove the area’s American Indian residents from their homelands. Ramsey County strives to eliminate systemic racism towards American Indian people and seeks to promote practices and policies that honor the state's American Indian roots, history and contributions. The board encourages all residents in the community to honor and celebrate the many American Indian Minnesotans and county residents that remind us daily of our rich American Indian heritage.
Commissioner Ortega read the proclamation with Nicole Beane, American Indian Community Coordinator at Ramsey County, offering remarks.