SALEM â The state of Oregon will recognize the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoplesâ Day in a new bill passed this week by the Oregon Legislature.
Beginning with Monday, Oct. 12, Oregon will recognize that Christopher Columbusâs âdiscoveryâ of the Americas is historically inaccurate and unworthy of celebration due to his voyage opening the door to âheinous crimes against humanity.â
HB 2526 passed the Oregon Senate on Tuesday, May 18, with a vote of 22-7. It was approved by a 50-5 vote of the House late last month.
The bill which was brought forth by the legislatureâs only Indigenous lawmakers, Rep. Tawna Sanchez, D-Portland, and Rep. Teresa Alonso-Leon, D-Woodburn, aims to set the record straight on the historical representation of Columbus and join 10 other states in recognizing the significant contributions that Native Americans have made to the U.S., and more specifically the contributions of Oregonâs nine federally recognized tribes to the culture of this state.