The public spoke out at the Massachusetts State House on Tuesday on legislation to change the name of the state Columbus Day holiday to Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Many of those who spoke included sixth graders from Amherst made their way to the Boston to testify. The renaming of Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day across the commonwealth is a continued conversation.

“Twenty states and the District of Columbia observe Native American or Indigenous Peoples’ Day, in addition to or in replacement of Columbus Day,” said State Senator Jo Comerford. “Let us change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a holiday to honor those who first settled this land. This holiday will pay rightful tribute to the contributions of indigenous people in Massachusetts past, present, and future.”