Minneapolis recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day in place of Columbus
MINNEAPOLIS — The City of Minneapolis will recognize the second Monday in October as “Indigenous Peoples Day” instead of Columbus Day.
The Minneapolis City Council and Mayor Betsy Hodges unanimously approved the resolution Friday. It takes effect this year.
The Star Tribune reports hundreds of people came to City Hall to commemorate the vote.
American Indian Movement co-founder Clyde Bellecourt calls the change “a long time coming.”
City clerk Casey Carl says the new holiday will be reflected on city messaging. That includes the official calendar of the City Council and committee meetings.
The final resolution does not rename Columbus Day, but rather recognizes Indigenous Peoples Day on the same date.
The federal Columbus Day holiday was established in 1937 to commemorate Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas in 1492.
