Indigenous Peoples’ Day Sauk County

Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Sauk County was established in 2018 by a resolution passed by the Sauk County Board of Supervisors after introduction by then Supervisor Kristin K. White Eagle who also currently serves as a Ho-Chunk Nation Legislator. The first celebration was held in multiple locations in 2019 followed by Baraboo in 2020 and Reedsburg in 2021. This year’s celebration in Sauk City will honor the Sauk who now comprise three federally recognized Sac & Fox Nations in Iowa, Kansas, and Oklahoma. For over forty years during the 1700s, the Sauk had a great village along the banks of the Wisconsin River with ninety longhouses and over 1,000 people. The Sauk planted hundreds of acres of corn, beans, melons, and other crops on the fertile prairie in the area. Their name became associated with the prairie and some 60 years after the Sauk left this village a new county was formed and named Sauk. The two earliest villages in the county along the same banks of the river were both named after the Sauk, and the area is collectively known as Sauk Prairie. Today the Great Sauk State Trail traverses the same land the Sauk knew in the 1700s.

Lance Long, Ho-Chunk Nation Buffalo Clan Member and emcee, will begin the program at Meyer Oak Grove Park at 1 pm . The public is encouraged to come early to sample Ho-Chunk cuisine, look at historical displays, visit with Native artisans and vendors, and enjoy this ancient oak grove. During the program Sauk guests will be recognized as the story of their village and presence here is recounted. The Winnebago Sons Drum will share sacred songs and the program will include the unveiling of an interpretive panel about the Sauk tribal village.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Sauk County is sponsored by Sauk County, the Ho-Chunk Nation, Village of Sauk City, and facilitated by the Sauk County Historical Society. Generous support is also provided by McFarlane’s of Sauk City.