Indigenous Peoples Day arose as an alternative to Columbus Day, which Native Americans protested for honoring a man who had enabled their colonization and forced assimilation.
Former Gov. Peter Shumlin began observing Indigenous Peoples Day by gubernatorial proclamation in 2016, a tradition that his successor, Gov. Phil Scott, signed into law in 2019. The change was made to “aid in the cultural development of Vermont’s recognized tribes.”
U.S. Indigenous Peoples Day, the second Monday of October, is a time to honor the cultures and histories of the Native American people.
We encourage you to identify and acknowledge the Native land we live on and learn more about Indigenous people and cultures.