Mat-Su Celebrates Indigenous Peoples' Day

By Assembly Member Jim Sykes

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough invites people to celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day on Monday Oct. 10, creating an opportunity to promote appreciation, tolerance, understanding, friendships and partnerships among Alaska's indigenous peoples and all Alaskans.

As people move to the Mat-Su Borough from all over the state, we highlight the many contributions made to our communities through the knowledge, history and culture of those who were originally here and all those who now call Mat-Su home. On this national day of celebrating exploration, we also want to recognize the peoples who were already here to greet explorers from other parts of the the world that makes Alaska the culturally rich place we can all appreciate.

Here are some excerpts from legislation approved by the Assembly in March 2015.

"WHEREAS, We value the many contributions made to our communities through Indigenous Peoples' knowledge, history, labor, technology, science, philosophy, arts, and the deep cultural contribution that has substantially shaped the character of Alaska and the Borough; and

WHEREAS, the Borough recognizes the importance of the fast growing population of Alaskans with indigenous heritage moving into the Borough from all over Alaska resulting in populations comprising one of the largest "villages" in Alaska..."

The legislation is attached.

Photo: Taken in the Borough Assembly chambers of residents from Sutton and Chickaloon.