MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Minneapolis could join other government entities which have renamed Columbus Day, a federal holiday since 1937, but not observed in all states.
The holiday was created to commemorate Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas on Oct. 12, 1492. But, it has long bothered Minnesotan Bill Means, an American Indian, who said one of the first lies students are told in public education is that Columbus discovered America.
“It’s only right that we begin to document the contributions of Indian people to the history of the state of Minnesota, starting with the biggest myth of all: Columbus discovered America,” Means said. “This is just a real…recognition of our contributions.”
The resolution to rename the holiday Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Minneapolis was proposed by council member Alondra Cano, who said nine other council members have signed on as co-authors, with others signaling support.
“Council members here have been really supportive, really open to the idea,” Cano said. “We’ve been working collaboratively on language and helping folks find the middle ground, and helping people understand why this is important.”
The Minneapolis City Council on Friday will consider the resolution, according to Minnesota Public Radio News (https://bit.ly/1l7g6m8 ). South Dakota is one state that has renamed Columbus Day “Native American Day.”
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Information from: Minnesota Public Radio News, https://www.mprnews.org
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