 Well one year ago the Bemidji City Council made a proclamation to celebrate Indigenous People's and Treaty Day on the second Monday in October. Bemidji State University marked the occasion with a full day of presentations from students and faculty at the American Indian Resource Center. It's a way for others to learn about Native Americans and see things from their perspective. Guests heard talks about the treaty signed with the United States and race relations. By having Indigenous People's Day as opposed to celebrating Columbus Day, you know really I think helps us try to sort of right the wrongs that have been done in the past, particularly around you know the ideas that we create and who do we celebrate and who do we not celebrate. Our sovereign status as tribes allows us to have a government-to-govern relationship with the United States effectively making us a political entity as well and it was really important that we sort of educated people on that aspect today. The event ended with a round dance and a community dinner. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.