Austin replaces Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Oct 06, 2017 2713

BY: Christopher Neely

Austin will no longer officially recognize Columbus Day after Austin City Council voted Thursday to replace the holiday with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Although Thursday’s vote will have no direct effect on the federal holiday—which celebrates Italian explorer Christopher Columbus’s arrival to the lands of the western hemisphere every second Monday of October—Austin city calendars will now read “Indigenous Peoples’ Day.”

The change drew much debate amongst council members, some of who felt the holiday should simultaneously celebrate Christopher Columbus and the indigenous people of America. However, after a few amendments proposing synonymity failed, the resolution to replace the holiday passed 9-1-1, with District 8 Council Member Ellen Troxclair voting no and District 10 Council Member Alison Alter abstaining.

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SOURCE: https://communityimpact.com/

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