Indigenous Peoples Day is observed at La Crosse Center, with Minnesota Lt. Gov. Flanagan as featured guest

The second Monday of October has become known as Indigenous Peoples Day around much of America, and the La Crosse Center hosted one local observance of the day.

School groups and adults gathered at the civic center to see exhibits of Native American crafts, and to enjoy music and other performances.

One prominent guest at the La Crosse event was Peggy Flanagan, Minnesota’s Lieutenant Governor. Flanagan is the highest ranking native woman in elected office around the U.S., and sees a good deal of progress happening.

“I think representation matters,” Flanagan told reporters. “Growing up, I didn’t see a lot of folks in elected leadership who looked like me, and so now, my daughter is growing up in a completely different reality.”

Flanagan belongs to the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, and if current Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is elected vice president, she would become a Native American governor. Flanagan spoke of how she hopes to inspire young people.

“The potential, I think, for our young people to see themselves reflected in leadership, it’s an incredibly powerful moment,” said Flanagan. “Listen, if I’m not the first Native American woman governor, she is on her way and will arrive soon.”

Flanagan also noted that U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is the first Native American serving in the president’s cabinet.