Minneapolis officials vote to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day
The Minneapolis City Council voted unanimously to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day.
A state representative says the change is the city’s effort to honor Native American culture.
“This would be a day to celebrate our survival as a culturally distinct people despite 500 years of disease, warfare, massacre, displacement and forced assimilation.” (Via KMSP) This change got a lot of people fired up on social media, though.
One Facebook user wrote: “No, Minneapolis. It’s still Columbus day and I will now celebrate it just out of spite.” (Via Facebook / Fox 9) Still, there are supporters: “Love, Love Love this… amazing. Love living in MN #progression” (ViaFacebook / Fox 9)
And some who pointed out perhaps both sides have the holiday wrong. “It should be changed to Horrible at Geography Day, since Columbus was about 1/2 a hemisphere off.” (Via Facebook / Fox 9)
Minneapolis isn’t the first city to modify its observance of the holiday. Four states do not recognize Columbus Day, including South Dakota.
Is this change long overdue?
Does it matter at this point after the country has ignored Native American history for so long?
Sound off below!
