Photo: Keegan Turnbough
(Des Moines, IA) -- November 30th marks the last day of Native American Heritage Month in Des Moines.
"Iowa was once home to more than 17 different indigenous tribes," said Mayor Frank Cownie. "There is a need to create in people, a consciousness, respect, and endearment for the legacy of the indigenous people's culture and history."
Cownie signed a proclamation earlier this month, declaring November 2022 as Native American Heritage Month.
Tim Perkins is the Iowa Department of Human Rights' Commissioner of the Office of Native American Affairs. He also spoke during the reading of the proclamation.
"A lot of people aren't aware that there's about 40,000 natives within Polk County, even though there's no reservation in Iowa," said Perkins. "People seem to associate natives with reservations only, and don't seem to realize we're still around."
Perkins is of Cherokee and Natchez tribal descent. He often speaks to groups about Native culture, history, and issues.