PHOENIX (AP) - Phoenix officials have unanimously approved the creation of an Indigenous Peoples Day.
The Phoenix City Council passed a resolution Wednesday to celebrate Native American culture on what is federally-recognized as Columbus Day.
Officials believe Phoenix is likely the largest city to move away from the Columbus holiday, which is the second Monday of October.
Approximately 25 other cities have already adopted the day.
The vote is largely symbolic since City of Phoenix does not observe Columbus Day.
Mayor Greg Stanton says the city can still celebrate Native American heritage, which is a huge part of Arizona’s history.
Opponents of Columbus Day say it celebrates a painful history of colonialism, discrimination and land seizures against Indian tribes following the explorer’s arrival in the Americas.
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