New Haven alders consideration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day draws praise, critics

Jun 10, 2019 541

BY: Brian Zahn

A Board of Alders proposal to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the second Monday of October was met with a demand from dozens of Italians — don’t take away Columbus Day. In the language of a proposal authored by Alder Kenneth Reveiz, D-14, which was discussed by the City Services and Environmental Policy Committee, it is said that because the Quinnipiack tribe lived on the land before Europeans, such as Christopher Columbus. arrived, the alders should permanently recognize the day as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

“New Haven has a responsibility to oppose the continuing systematic racism toward Indigenous Peoples in the United States and internationally, which perpetuates high rates of poverty and income inequality, exacerbates disproportionate health, education, and social stability,” the proposal says. “[I]n the U.S. and internationally, Native and Indigenous Peoples struggle for sovereignty, respect, and basic needs like water, food, shelter and mental health care, so it is imperative that we send a strong message that we are hearing their voices and are inspired to act.”

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SOURCE: https://www.greenwichtime.com

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