III.2. Proclamation Celebrating Indigenous Heritage Month; Imihy
CITY OF HOPKINS
City Council Report 2025-153
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
Mike Mornson, City Manager
From: Laila Imihy, AICP, Special Projects and Initiatives Manager
Date: October 21, 2025
Subject: Proclamation Celebrating Indigenous Heritage Month
_____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDED ACTION
MOTION TO Adopt a Proclamation celebrating Indigenous Heritage Month in Hopkins.
OVERVIEW
November has been designated as Indigenous Heritage Month in the United States for
35 years and is an opportunity to reflect on the history, culture, and contributions of the
peoples who inhabited the continent prior to European settlement.
There are 11 sovereign tribal nations within the state of Minnesota, comprised of seven
Anishinaabe reservations and four Dakota communities . The Dakota people were the
original inhabitants and stewards of the land that the City of Hopkins now occupies , and
they remain active members of the community. Historical record shows that the creeks
which flow through Hopkins, both the Nine Mile Creek and the Minnehaha Creek were
important traditional means of travel and fishing for the Dakota people.
City Staff and Council tonight wish to recognize that history and to lift up the ongoing
cultural and civic contributions of our Indigenous residents and neighbors by proclaiming
November in Hopkins to be Indigenous Heritage Month.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
• Proclamation Celebrating Indigenous Heritage Month
Administration
A Proclamation
Celebrating Indigenous Heritage Month
WHEREAS, the City of Hopkins acknowledges that it stands on the ancestral homelands
of the Dakota people, who have lived in relationship with this land for countless
generations and whose enduring contributions, cultures, and traditions continue to enrich
our community; and
WHEREAS, November is recognized across the United States as Indigenous Heritage
Month; a time to honor and celebrate the histories, cultures, and resiliency of Indigenous
peoples and to recognize the ongoing injustices they face ; and
WHEREAS, the City of Hopkins values true inclusion and seeks to foster respect and
understanding among all people who call our city home; and
WHEREAS, this observance provides an opportunity for all Hopkins residents to learn
more about Indigenous history and heritage, including our state’s history of ethnic
cleansing, but also the self-governance of tribal nations and the importance of preserving
Indigenous languages, arts, food, and ways of life; and
WHEREAS, the City encourages reflection on how we can build meaningful partnerships
with Indigenous communities, honor treaty responsibilities, and support Indigenous
voices in civic life and environmental stewardship;
NOW THEREFORE, I, Patrick Hanlon, Mayor of the City of Hopkins in the State of
Minnesota, along with my fellow Council Members, recognize, adopt, and proclaim
November as Indigenous Heritage Month in Hopkins, and encourage all residents to
celebrate, honor, and support the Indigenous history and peoples of the area we now call
home.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set
my hand and caused the Seal of the City of
Hopkins, Minnesota to be affixed this 21st day of
October 2025.
_______________________________________
Patrick Hanlon, Mayor