By Bob Katzen

Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northamtpon) is urging the Legislature to take further action on her bill that would change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day in Massachusetts. The measure would require that the day be “observed by the people, with appropriate exercises in the schools and otherwise, to acknowledge the history of genocide and discrimination against Indigenous peoples, and to recognize and celebrate the thriving cultures and continued resistance and resilience of Indigenous peoples and their tribal nations.” Rep. Christine Barber (D-Somerville) sponsored the same proposal in the House.

The bill was given a favorable report by the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight on June 24 and added to the House calendar agenda on July 29 – where it has remained without further action. The same piece of legislation also died in the House during the 2021-2022 session.

“Christopher Columbus did not discover the Americas,” said Comerford. “That myth — steeped in racism and violence — has allowed generations to credit a European man with discovering a land already teeming with societies. Indigenous communities and tribal nations in the commonwealth and across the United States call us to act. It is thanks to their courageous truth telling that we recognize the legacy of colonization, in the name of Columbus, as one not worthy of memorialization or celebration. Massachusetts is one of only 16 remaining states to still observe the second Monday in October officially as Columbus Day. Currently 34 states and territories recognize the day in a different way or not at all, with some observing Native American or Indigenous Peoples Day in addition to or in replacement of Columbus Day.

Comerford continued, “In 2021, President Joe Biden formally commemorated Indigenous Peoples Day on the second Monday in October with a presidential proclamation, becoming the first U.S. president to do so. We must rename Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples Day — a holiday to honor those who first settled this land. This will pay rightful tribute to the contributions of Indigenous peoples in Massachusetts — past, present, and future.