Grace Denning, a Haskell Indian Nations University student from Hoonah, Alaska, says a prayer as she dances along with more than 100 other Haskell students at City Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015. The City Commission issued a proclamation naming Monday, Oct. 12, 2015 Indigenous Peoples Day.

A group of about 100 people walked from Haskell Indian Nations University to City Hall on Tuesday to hear the city recognize Monday, Oct. 12, as Indigenous Peoples Day.

The group also asked that the city recognize Indigenous Peoples Day on the second Monday of every October going forward. That day is nationally recognized as Columbus Day.

The group of mostly Haskell University students and staff gathered on City Hall’s front lawn about an hour before the City Commission meeting began. Many in attendance then piled into City Hall, where they filled the meeting room and front lobby.

Student executive board members and Dan Wildcat, a Haskell University professor, spoke for the group.

Haskell students march to City Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015 to give the Lawrence City Commission a letter declaring Oct. 12 Indigenous Peoples Day.

“I suggest we make this in perpetuity and really make that shift,” Wildcat said. “We’re honored to be here. Haskell is an important part of this community. You are home nine months out of the year to the largest international, intertribal community in North America. We want to be part of this community. Let’s work together to make this a better place.”

Indigenous Peoples Day is recognized in various municipalities across the nation as a counter-celebration to Columbus Day.

“I do want you to know how much we appreciate you all who are involved in our community through the cultural exchange we have and the diversity brought forward,” Mayor Mike Amyx said before reading the proclamation aloud. “At the same time, we may not recognize how much we mean to you, but maybe this starts that process.”

The proclamation designating Monday, Oct. 12, encourages people to “reflect upon the culturally diverse struggles of Indigenous people on this land, and to celebrate the resilient, culturally diverse Indigenous traditions and values that guide and shape Haskell Indian Nations University.”