Alaska has officially renamed Columbus Day “Indigenous Peoples Day,” joining a growing body of local governments moving in that direction.
In an executive proclamation, Gov. Bill Walker wrote that “Alaska is built upon the homelands and communities of the Indigenous Peoples of this region, without whom the building of the state would not be possible.” He pointed out that 16% of Alaskans have indigenous heritage, and that “the State opposes systematic racism toward Indigenous Peoples of Alaska or any Alaskans of any origin and promotes policies and practices that reflect the experiences of Indigenous Peoples, ensure greater access and opportunity, and honor our nation’s indigenous roots, history.”
You know just yesterday I was bitching about Bill Walker trying to open ANWR for oil drilling, and then he does something awesome like this.
Hard to get a bead on that guy.
Gee not celebrating a guy who was responsible for the deaths of thousands of indigenous people, real tough call there.
