Monday is the first Indigenous Peoples day in Boston, but some members of the city's Italian-American community complain a day usually dedicated to their own heritage has been done away with. 14 states and more than 130 local governments have chosen not to observe Columbus Day, many instead dedicating the second Monday in October to Native groups.
After joining several Massachusetts communities in making that change last week, Acting Mayor Kim Janey tweeted a statement on the inaugural holiday, reading: "On the first Indigenous Peoples Day, Boston is committed to recognizing Indigenous history, celebrating cultures, strengthening relationships, denouncing colonial past, and increasing dialogue with tribes to foster reconciliation and support for the rights of Indigenous people."
