An increasing numbers of cities and states are honoring Native Americans on what has been a day honoring Christopher Columbus.
KANSAS CITY-On October 9, Kansas City, Mo., officially declared the day as Indigenous Peoples Day, joining a growing list of more than 50 U.S. cities shucking the celebrations of Christopher Columbus in favor of recognizing the indigenous people of North America.
The city council adopted legislation to officially declare Oct. 9 as Indigenous Peoples Day in Kansas City, Mo.
Resolution No. 170786 states, in part:
Christopher Columbus, a man who is known to have "discovered" the Americas, came upon land that was already inhabited by Indigenous Peoples; and
WHEREAS, Columbus' voyage to the Americas opened the door to crimes, including but not limited to the introduction of transatlantic slavery and genocidal acts against Indigenous People; and
WHEREAS, the Indigenous People were promised security and protection, though were forcibly relocated and their land seized to allow for European settlements; and
WHEREAS, the City of Kansas City and current day Jackson County was historically inhabited by the American Indian people; and
WHEREAS, the City of Kansas City recognizes and acknowledges the significant contributions made in our community by Indigenous People and commits to ensure greater access and opportunity for continued contribution.
Kansas City joins more than 50 U.S. cities that have either switched to celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day or celebrate both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day, including Los Angeles, which in August became the largest individual city to adopt the change. The push to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day first came about in 1977 by a delegation of Native Nations to the United Nations. In 1990, South Dakota officially renamed the day Native American Day. Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, Minnesota and Vermont have all adopted Indigenous Peoples Day statewide.
