Evers trades ‘Columbus’ for ‘Indigenous People’

Posted at 3:30 p.m. on October 9, 2019 By Benjamin Yount The Center Square MADISON – Wisconsin will no longer celebrate Columbus Day. Gov. Tony Evers on Tuesday signed an executive order declaring the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. “We recognize and appreciate our tribal nations and Indigenous people and their resilience, wisdom, and the contributions they make to our state,” Evers said. The second Monday in October has been and, in many states, still is celebrated as Columbus Day. The governor didn’t mention in his order Columbus or the anger that many tribes and activists feel about the Italian explorer’s legacy. “The state of Wisconsin has a responsibility to expose systematic racism toward Indigenous peoples in our state and in the United States,” the order issued by Evers reads. Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes had stronger words. “We seek to recognize and honor our state’s Indigenous communities while moving beyond a dated practice that perpetuates inaccurate teachings and honors genocide,” Barnes said. Evers said he hopes that all people in the state “be in solidarity” with the new order. Four states, Alaska, Minnesota, Vermont and South Dakota, officially celebrate Indigenous People’s Day. Dozens of other cities across the country recognize the day locally.