OKMULGEE, Okla. — Since 1792, Oct. 12 has been known as Columbus Day. It was officially made a federal holiday in 1937. However, Indigenous people across the country don’t consider it a day of discovery, but instead a day of enslavement for Native Americans.
Indigenous People Day, celebrated in the lieu of Columbus Day, began across the country in 1991. However, not all states recognize the holiday. Currently, only 14 states celebrate Indigenous People’s Day and less than 150 cities.
Today, Mayor Richard Larabee of Okmulgee declared Oct. 12 Indigenous People’s Day in the city.
“I think it’s very important that our citizens in Okmulgee realize the deep cultural history,” Larabee said.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --
- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices.
- Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Twitter
