The Maine House of Representatives initially approved a bill on Tuesday that would make the state join several others and a handful of municipalities including Bangor by recognizing the October holiday of Indigenous Peoples' Day instead of Columbus Day.

After the 88-51 vote, a measure sponsored by Rep. Ben Collings, D-Portland, looks to be on track for passage in the Democratic-led Legislature backstopped by Gov. Janet Mills, who has made improving relations with Maine’s Indian tribes a goal during her nascent administration. It faces further action in the House and Senate.