On Wednesday, over 30 individuals came together to express their support for a Senate bill aimed at designating Indigenous People’s Day as an official holiday in the state of Montana.
In the event that the bill is approved, the second Monday of October would become Indigenous People’s Day, resulting in the removal of Columbus Day as an official state holiday.
Senate Bill 141 appeared for its first time this legislative session before the Education and Cultural Resources Committee during a public hearing Wednesday. The Montana American Indian Caucus wrote a letter of support for the proposal. Montana state law currently recognizes 12 legal holidays each year, including Columbus Day.
The bill will be voted on by the committee at a later time. If it receives approval, it will then move to the Senate floor for a vote.
This is the fifth attempt to establish a statewide Indigenous People’s Day in Montana. Sen. Shane Morigeau, D-Missoula, introduced and sponsored the current version of the proposal. Morigeau said the bill would allow for a chance to help correct the harsh history of the state’s relationship with Indigenous people.
In recent years, the perception of Columbus as a revered explorer who discovered America has been challenged by a more nuanced historical perspective. As a result, numerous states and cities across the nation have officially replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day.
Morigeau expressed her desire for a day that honors the diverse cultural legacy of all Indigenous individuals in our state, rather than commemorating a man who committed heinous acts such as murder, rape, and the genocide of innocent Native people. In a text message to ICT and Montana Free Press, she emphasized the importance of acknowledging the connections we have built as Indigenous people, recognizing that ultimately, we all originate from different Indigenous backgrounds.
According to Morigeau, the bill aims to enhance Montanans’ comprehension of the tribes and cultures that hold significant importance in the state.
In his opening statement to the committee on Wednesday, Morigeau urged everyone to acknowledge and embrace the entirety of our history. He emphasized the importance of inclusivity, extending to all present in the room, the hallways, and the entire state. Morigeau called for open discussions about the mistakes of the past, emphasizing the need to move forward collectively and abandon the practice of selectively highlighting only certain aspects of history. By recognizing the good, the bad, and the ugly, Morigeau emphasized the importance of learning from our past and striving for a better society.
I desire a day that recognizes the diverse cultural heritage of all Indigenous people in our state, rather than celebrating a man who committed heinous acts such as murder, rape, and the extermination of innocent Native individuals.
State Sen. Shane Morigeau, D-Missoula
For the past eight years, Marsha Small has been the driving force behind Indigenous Peoples Day of Montana, an organization dedicated to advocating for and educating others about the importance of this holiday. As a co-founder, she has played a crucial role in advancing the mission of the organization.
The initiative to establish Indigenous Peoples Day in Bozeman was spearheaded by Small in 2015. The following year, in 2016, the city officially embraced the holiday, replacing Columbus Day with this new observance.
Accuracy and education are what drive Small’s determination to get the bill passed into law.
Small explained that the intention was to organize a day in Montana that would serve as an opportunity for individuals from different perspectives to engage in respectful conversations. The aim was to foster mutual understanding by encouraging participants to learn about one another’s personal backgrounds and ancestral heritage.
Montana is poised to become the newest state to honor Indigenous Peoples Day if the bill is approved, joining a growing list of at least 14 states and 130 cities across the nation.
The recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day instead of Columbus Day has already been adopted by various cities and communities in the state. These include Missoula, Bozeman, as well as tribal governments.
Montana houses 12 tribes within its borders, which are the Blackfeet, Salish, Kootenai, Crow, Northern Cheyenne, Assiniboine, Little Shell Band of Chippewa, Gros Ventre, Sioux, Plains Cree, Pend d’Oreille, and Chippewa. Additionally, it accommodates these tribes with seven tribal reservations.
Activists throughout the country frequently gather in protest against Columbus Day, aiming to show support and unity with Indigenous communities that have long endured misrepresentation and inadequate documentation in historical accounts.
Representatives from the De La Salle Blackfeet School from Browning, situated on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, were present at Wednesday’s hearing in support of the bill. Several students, including Kendee Calfbossribs Ollinger, a sixth-grader, also spoke during the hearing.
Ollinger addressed the committee, expressing his desire to explain the meaning of genocide. He emphasized that it involves the intentional mass killing of individuals belonging to a particular nation or ethnic group. Ollinger acknowledged that he felt out of place but believed that Columbus Day should be replaced with Indigenous People’s Day. This change would not only pay tribute to those who were harmed and lost their lives but also recognize the existence of those who continue to face the repercussions, including himself.
In addition to tribal individuals, numerous concerned citizens have joined forces in support of the holiday alteration, standing in solidarity.
In both 2021 and 2022, President Joe Biden acknowledged and honored the celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. However, it is important to note that Columbus Day still retains its status as a federal holiday.
In his 2021 proclamation, Biden urged the citizens of the United States to commemorate this day through suitable ceremonies and activities. He further instructed that the flag of the United States be displayed on all public buildings on the designated day as a tribute to our rich history and the influential contributions of the Indigenous peoples in shaping our nation.
With no one presenting opposition testimony during the hearing, committee member Rep. Daniel Emrich, R-Great Falls, commented on the bill. Emrich said he is in favor of a thorough historical education, but doesnt want Columbus Day removed.
Emrich expressed that although they are in favor of the bill, they believe it should not eliminate an existing day. They believe that keeping the current day would serve as a reminder of the significance of Indigenous people, similar to how Columbus Day reminds us about Columbus, and they believe in adopting a holistic perspective.
Morigeau made a clear differentiation between educating individuals about Christopher Columbus’ history and commemorating a holiday in his honor. Morigeau acknowledged the importance of teaching Columbus comprehensively, considering his historical significance, but emphasized the necessity of including an understanding of Columbus’ character in such education.
Morigeau expressed their belief that the individual in question does not deserve to be honored within our educational institutions. They emphasized that as long as we continue to celebrate this person, it will be difficult for teachers and others to address the negative aspects associated with them. It becomes challenging to have open discussions about their shortcomings when they are constantly being glorified and revered.
This story is co-published by Montana Free Press and ICT, a news partnership that covers the Montana American Indian Caucus during the state’s 2023 legislative session. Funding is provided in part by the Headwaters Foundation.
