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ٸ Strongly Opposes D.C. City Council’s Emergency Action to Replace Columbus Day with “Indigenous Peoples’ Day”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Natalie Wulderk
nwulderk@niaf.org
+1-202-939-3117


– ٸ Remains Committed to Supporting Both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day –

(Washington, D.C. – October 10, 2019) – The ٸ (ٸ) strongly opposes the District of Columbia City Council’s emergency action to replace Columbus Day with “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” in the District. ٸ remains committed to supporting both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day as their own separate holidays.

The City Council fast-tracked the legislation and voted in favor of changing the holiday in a 11-2 vote at its meeting on October 8. The passed emergency legislation is temporary; ٸ remains committed to opposing its permanent enactment.

The Foundation recognizes and thanks the two Councilmembers for their courage to reject this legislation and to support Columbus Day, a widely celebrated and historic holiday: Council Chair Phil Mendelson and Councilman Jack Evans.

ٸ calls upon Mayor Muriel Bowser to not sign the legislation and calls the other Councilmen to reconsider their position.

ٸ supports both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day, however, we believe that this is a false choice, one celebration to replace another is destructive and culturally insensitive, divisive and not in keeping with the spirit of an increasingly diverse America. ٸ remains a strong and vigorous advocate for the continuation of Columbus Day as a federal holiday.

The Foundation looks forward to participating in the Columbus Day event at Union Station, Monday, October 14.

To see ٸ’s position on the D.C. Council action, visit: .

To read ٸ’s longstanding statement on Columbus Day, visit: .


The ٸ (ٸ) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to preserving, promoting and protecting the Italian American heritage and culture. To learn more about the Foundation and become a member, please visit www.niaf.org.