Alaska is now the first state to recognize Oct. 12, 2015, as Indigenous Peoples Day.
Gov. Bill Walker signed the proclamation today and First Alaskans President Liz Medicine Crow made the announcement at the Elders and Youth Conference.
The one-time declaration came on the heels of a similar announcement by Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz. The city now also recognizes the holiday. First Alaskans board member and former state lawmaker Willie Hensley reacted to the declaration.
The move is largely symbolic. The second Monday in October is annually Columbus Day, a federal holiday, and state and city employees are required to report to work. But First Alaskans board member and former state lawmaker Willie Hensley says the declaration is important.
“This is a historic moment considering all the trials and tribulations our people have experienced over time,” Hensley said. “A lot of not so good stuff, historically speaking. But finally, after all these years of work, by a lot of people and a lot of understanding by people who didn’t know a lot about our people, we’re being to understand each other a little bit better.”
At least nine other cities nationwide recognize the holiday. South Dakota and a few other states have replaced Columbus Day with Native American Day.
Editor’s note: This story has been expanded and clarified to note the declaration only applies to Oct. 12, 2015, and acknowledge South Dakota’s Native American Day.
