Gov. Mary Fallin vetoed legislation that would have established an Oklahoma Native American Day on the second Monday in October — which is currently Columbus Day.

In her veto message, Fallin said combining Native American Day with Columbus Day "could be viewed as an intentional attempt to diminish" current designations, such as the national Native American Heritage Month in November.

The Cherokee Nation bitterly criticized Fallin for her veto Thursday of House Bill 2661, which easily passed the House in March and the Senate in April.

“This is a slap in the face to the 38 federally recognized tribal governments in Oklahoma,” said Rep. Chuck Hoskin, a Vinita Democrat and Cherokee citizen. “As Indian people, we have an undeniable impact here in Oklahoma. Tribes make significant contributions, both financially and culturally, to our home state.”