'Columbus Day' now 'Indigenous Peoples' Day' in Maine with governor's signature

Columbus Day is officially Indigenous Peoples' Day in Maine after Gov. Janet Mills signed a bill Friday making the change into law.The proposal passed with bipartisan support in the Legislature.The move does not affect the federal holiday of Columbus Day.Democratic Rep. Benjamin Collings of Portland sponsored the bill renaming the state holiday celebrated on the second Monday in October to Indigenous Peoples' Day.At least five states have done away with celebrating explorer Christopher Columbus in deference to Native Americans, though the federal Columbus Day holiday remains. Communities including Bangor have adopted Indigenous Peoples' Day.

Columbus Day is officially Indigenous Peoples' Day in Maine after Gov. Janet Mills signed a bill Friday making the change into law.



The proposal passed with bipartisan support in the Legislature.


The move does not affect the federal holiday of Columbus Day.

Democratic Rep. Benjamin Collings of Portland sponsored the bill renaming the state holiday celebrated on the second Monday in October to Indigenous Peoples' Day.

At least five states have done away with celebrating explorer Christopher Columbus in deference to Native Americans, though the federal Columbus Day holiday remains. Communities including Bangor have adopted Indigenous Peoples' Day.