AUGUSTA — A proposal to trade the Columbus Day holiday for a tribute to Native Americans has received initial approval in the Maine House.
The House voted 88-51 Wednesday in support of the bill, which faces further votes.
Democratic Rep. Benjamin Collings of Portland sponsored the bill renaming the state holiday celebrated on the second Monday in October to Indigenous Peoples Day.
At least five states have done away with celebrating explorer Christopher Columbus in deference to Native Americans, though the federal Columbus holiday remains.
Republican Rep. MaryAnne Kinney previously said some critics are concerned “eliminating” history could lead to repeating it.
But Rep. Rena Newell, who represents Passamaquoddy tribe, said the bill would correct “long-standing history.”
Send questions/comments to the editors.
-
SportsNFL notebook: New England’s longtime offensive line coach retires
-
Times Record
Habitat for Humanity/7 Rivers Maine names new executive director
-
Sports
Staley’s patience pays off with 49ers trip to Super Bowl
-
Times Record
Sen. Carson office hours in Harpswell postponed to Feb. 4
-
Politics
Bloomberg campaign sent inaccurate mailing, says Maine secretary of state
Comments are not available on this story.