OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed an Oklahoma bill that will combine the celebration of Columbus Day in the state with Native American Day.
Senate Bill 111 changes the day designated as Oklahoma Native American Day from the third Monday in November to the second Monday in October, which is also Columbus Day.
Stitt signed the bill Thursday, saying it was a fair compromise that gives Oklahoma residents an opportunity to celebrate both the 15th century explorer and the state's indigenous people.
The Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes, which represents more than 750,000 tribal citizens, passed a resolution earlier this year urging Stitt to sign the measure.
Last year, then Gov. Mary Fallin vetoed a similar bill.
Unlike similar measures approved in several other states, including New Mexico earlier this month, the bill does not replace Columbus Day.
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