SOMERVILLE, MA – Columbus Day is no more in Somerville, as the city announced Thursday it will join the growing ranks of communities choosing to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day. The official proclamation will be entered into public record at 3 p.m., altering how local government will observe the annual holiday going forward.

Last year, Time Magazine reported that four states – Minnesota, South Dakota, Alaska and Vermont – and 55 municipalities across the country have dropped Columbus Day in lieu of Indigenous Peoples' Day. The holiday recognizes Native Americans instead of Christopher Columbus.

In a statement Thursday, Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone called Columbus Day a "relic of an outdated and oversimplified version of history." He added that forgoing Columbus Day is not "erasing history" but rather expanding its scope.