House passes Indigenous Peoples Day bill

Rep. Harriet Drummond, D-Anchorage, speaks in support of a bill she sponsored to create Indigenous Peoples Day, April 1, 2016. (Photo by Skip Gray/360 North)
Rep. Harriet Drummond, D-Anchorage, speaks in support of a bill she sponsored to create Indigenous Peoples Day, April 1, 2016. (Photo by Skip Gray/360 North)

The state House unanimously passed a bill Friday morning that would create Indigenous Peoples Day on the 18th of October every year. It coincides with Alaska Day, one of the state’s official holidays.

Anchorage Rep. Harriet Drummond proposed the bill.

“In times of challenge, let’s remember those who have gone before us,” she told the House floor. “Who faced far greater challenges than we do. And who adapted and engineered and created and survived in this land we call home.”

Rep. Bennie Nageak from Barrow told the House he applauds the declaration but reminds the representatives that it doesn’t heal all wounds.

“Setting aside a day will not get rid of the many problems that indigenous people face every day in Alaska,” Nageak said. He listed problems like violence, alcoholism and substandard housing.

The original bill suggested the day coincide with Columbus Day, a federal holiday. Gov. Bill Walker declared Oct. 12, 2015, Indigenous Peoples Day, but it was a one-time designation.

The bill also creates Katie John Day on May 31 in honor of the Ahtna elder who fought to protect subsistence rights. It now goes to the Senate.

Sign up for The Signal

Top Alaska stories delivered to your inbox every week

Site notifications
Update notification options
Subscribe to notifications