DENVER – A state lawmaker has proposed replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, following in the footsteps of the Durango City Council.
Rep. Joe Salazar, D-Thornton, said he was inspired by Ruthie Edd, the Fort Lewis College student who pushed for the change in Durango. Edd argued that Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a much more accurate historical reflection.
The Durango City Council earlier this month backed her proposal.
Salazar took note, responding with legislation to accomplish the same thing statewide. Columbus Day falls on the second Monday of October.
“It provided an awful lot of encouragement for us to move forward,” Salazar said of the Durango effort. “I’m very proud of the students down there.”
For proponents of the change, the issue is about not wanting to honor Columbus, who they say engaged in genocide and slavery.
Those on the other side, however, say the move would erode their heritage and tradition as descendents of European Americans. They add that Columbus Day has been a part of their lives since childhood. The issue is especially personal for Italian Americans, who feel robbed by no longer being able to celebrate Columbus.
Some suggest having Indigenous Peoples’ Day on a different day than Columbus Day.
But Edd said honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Columbus Day is a way for Coloradans to embrace their true history. While miners and early settlers seem to get much of the attention, Edd – who is a member of the Navajo Nation – pointed out that it all started with American Indians.
“It’s a good platform to talk about these issues, to really heal from them for native people, and then for the state to both acknowledge that this was done and help everyone heal,” Edd said.
But the state legislation faces an uphill battle in a divided Legislature, where Republicans control the Senate and Democrats hold the House. Salazar said he has had trouble convincing Republicans to support the effort.
“The Republican side is seen as very removed and racist when it comes to black and brown issues,” Salazar said.
Republican Rep. Lori Saine of Firestone decided not to support the legislation, but took issue with the way Salazar characterized Republicans’ opposition to the measure.
“If that’s going to be the tonality this session, if that’s what we’re starting out with, is calling Republicans ‘racist,’ I think the voters are really tired of that argument, but I guess we’ll find out,” Saine said.
Edd said her quest will continue, even if the state bill fails. She plans to take the issue across La Plata and Montezuma counties.
“I won’t stop,” Edd said. “As long as there are people who are passionate about it, this issue will continue to be raised.”
pmarcus@durangoherald.com
