AK Federation of Natives conference opens to renaming of Columbus Day in city/state

[Blue_In_AK]

http://www.adn.com/article/20151012/afn-elders-and-youth-conference-opens-renaming-columbus-day-city-state

Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz opened this year’s Elders and Youth Conference, the lead-in to the annual Alaska Federation of Natives conference, by casting off Columbus Day -- or at least its name.

Berkowitz made the surprise announcement Monday morning during opening remarks at the three-day conference in downtown Anchorage, saying he had signed a proclamation renaming the day "Indigenous Peoples Day."

"The more we can do to strengthen the ties between the communities that make Anchorage and make up Alaska, the better," Berkowitz said.

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And this from Governor Bill Walker:

&quot T)he State of Alaska joins a growing number of cities that have recognized the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples Day, creating an opportunity to promote appreciation, tolerance, understanding, friendship, and partnerships among indigenous peoples and all Alaskans," the proclamation read in part.

This needs to be a nationwide movement.