Columbus Day 2015: More US Cities Recognizing Native Americans, Changing Holiday To 'Indigenous Peoples Day'

As you mark Columbus Day on the 12th, more cities in the U.S. have pressed to recognize this holiday as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. “For the Native community here, Indigenous Peoples Day means a lot. We actually have something,” said Nick Estes of Albuquerque to the AP, “we understand it’s just a proclamation, but at the same time, we also understand this is the beginning of something greater.”

Activists seek to redefine the day and encourages businesses, organizations and public entities to recognize the natives on this special occasion. "which shall be used to reflect upon the ongoing struggles of Indigenous people on this land, and to celebrate the thriving culture and value that our Indigenous nations add to our City.”

"Reclaiming the second Monday in October as Indigenous People’s Day makes a powerful statement,” Chair Deborah Kafoury from Multnomah County, Oregon said about the holiday that has been recognized as Columbus Day since 1968. “It says, ‘We are no longer going to celebrate a time of genocide, but instead we will honor the land we live on and the people who have been here since the beginning.'" According to thinkprogress Native Americans are still negatively impacted by Columbus’ legacy.

These are some of the cities that abolished Columbus Day: Albuquerque, New Mexico- Lawrence, KS- Portland, OR- St. Paul, MN-Bexar County, TX- Anadarko, OK- Olympia, WA-Alpena, MI- Seattle, WA, check out the map to see more.