One of our MA Indigenous Legislative Agenda bills (S.1976/H.2989) calls for Massachusetts to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day instead of Columbus Day. At least fourteen states currently celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, including Maine and Vermont – but not Massachusetts.
Unfortunately, last year our bill that would have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day died in committee because of intensive lobbying by anti-Native opposition who uphold the whitewashed legacy of Columbus despite mounds of historical evidence showing his role in genocide, the trafficking of young Indigenous women and much more. These forces even dared to claim victory.
We can’t let this happen again. Our bill to enact Indigenous People’s Day will be heard before the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 (Gardner Auditorium, 11am). In the legislative process, the committee hearing is a critical step. That’s why we need you – so that the legislators will understand there is broad support for Indigenous Peoples Day. The hearing may continue to Wednesday, October 4, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm in room A-2. Here are things you can do to help us show the committee that we will not be turned away from justice:
1. Save the date of October 3, RSVP to come to the hearing in person and help us pack the room (we know our opposition will be there).
Wear purple to show your support!
Share our facebook event to spread the word: https://fb.me/e/47AZ5u0rP
2. Write the committee and submit written testimony in support! There are two options.
To testify, you must sign up by Friday, September 29th at 5:00 pm using this form. See the committee’s posting about the hearing.
Add MAPA’s events to your Google Calendar! 1) Open Google Calendar on a computer. 2) Under “Other Calendars” on the left, press the small downward arrow. 3) Choose Add by URL, then enter this URL:
webcal://masspeaceaction.org/?post_type=tribe_events&ical=1&eventDisplay=list
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