Minneapolis replaces 'Columbus Day' with 'Indigenous Peoples Day'
MORE IN THIS SECTION
Residents of Minneapolis, Minn., will now celebrate local Native American history on the second Monday of October—the day recognized by the federal government as Columbus Day.
The Minneapolis city council approved a resolution to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day to celebrate American Indians in the state and the city's history of activism.
So proud of my city! In Minneapolis, the 2nd Monday of October has now been officially renamed to Indigenous Peoples Day!
— AprilWinebrennerPalo (@april_wp) April 25, 2014
Indigenous Peoples Day was proposed nearly 40 years ago at a conference sponsored by the United Nations and is celebrated in Berkeley, Calif., Denver, Colo. and various cities across the state. The day is meant to recognize native peoples from across the Americas, countering the recognition of Christopher Columbus, who invaded the Americas and is often credited with the genocide of indigenous Americans.
Philadelphians have been celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day for three years, but it is not an officially recognized holiday that takes place on Columbus Day. Rather, the holiday is celebrated the first Saturday of October. A week later, the city recognizes Columbus Day.
LEAVE A COMMENT:
Join the discussion! Leave a comment.