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Columbus Day To Be Shared with American Indians in Alabama
By TJ Degroat © DiversityInc.comJune 1, 2000 - - Christopher Columbus, who many people feel is unfairly credited with the sole discovery of a continent full of indigenous peoples, will share his Alabama state holiday with American Indians.
The Alabama Legislature voted today to make Columbus Day, which honors Columbus’ discovery of America, also known as American Indian Heritage Day. The holiday, which falls on the second Monday in October, is the first combination by any state.
"Columbus did not discover America. He found we were here already. It's a recognition that has been long deserved," Nancy Carnley, secretary of the Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe, told the Associated Press.
Many states designate days to celebrate American Indians, most often the fourth Friday in September, but most are not official state holidays, according to a survey of state holidays by the National Conference of State Legislatures.
South Dakota set aside the second Monday in October for Native American Day, an official state holiday.
Democratic state Sen. Jimmy Holley, and state Rep. Jeff Dolbare, who serve on the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission, sponsored the bill, which was signed by Gov. Don Siegelman.
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