SPOKANE, Wash. – The second Monday of October is traditionally known as Columbus Day, but more states and cities are choosing to recognize it as Indigenous Peoples Day.

In 2016, the Spokane City Council voted to officially change the holiday’s name to Indigenous Peoples Day.

In 2019, Governor Brad Little of Idaho issued a proclamation for the day, and in Montana, Governor Greg Gianforte signed a bill this past May, making it an official statewide holiday.

Despite President Trump signing a proclamation last week declaring Monday as Columbus Day, many aim to shift focus toward recognizing Native American history rather than honoring Christopher Columbus, whose legacy is associated with colonization and violence against Indigenous people.

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