WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and 14 of their colleagues in introducing a resolution to recognize the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The resolution also supports the official designation of Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a federal holiday. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is currently celebrated on the second Monday of October in over 200 municipalities and 17 states. Currently, the state of Arizona does not officially recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
The resolution is endorsed by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Navajo Nation, Pueblo of Acoma, Alaska Federation of Natives, National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH), All Pueblo Council of Governors (APCG).
The resolution is cosponsored by Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Angus King (I-ME), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).
Read the full resolution HERE.