The City Council voted to reject permanently recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day alongside Columbus Day each year at its Monday meeting. But some members of the council and city officials had differing views Wednesday about what occurred.Mayor Rick.
PORTSMOUTH After a passionate plea from high school students to make a change, the City Council narrowly voted Monday to reject permanently placing Indigenous Peoples Day on the city calendar alongside Columbus Day.
Councilor Cliff Lazenby made a motion for the city to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day “instead of what has been typically designated by the state of New Hampshire as Columbus Day.
Councilor Petra Huda moved to amend the motion to give residents the choice to recognize either Indigenous Peoples Day or Columbus Day “until such time as the state and federal laws recognize the need for change or elimination of the current name.” That was later amended to permanently recognize both holidays alongside each other. It failed in a 5-4 vote.