Vermont passes bill abolishing Columbus Day in favor of Indigenous Peoples' Day

For 3 years, Vermont has celebrated the 2nd Monday of October labeled as Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Vermont’s former Democrat governor signed a proclamation rebranding the holiday in 2016. Now, Republican Gov. Phil Scott, has continued the tradition. VT has abolished Columbus Day and permanently recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a trend gaining traction in states nationwide as Americans reckon with the colonization intertwined with Christopher Columbus’s legacy. VT's legislature passed a bill that “will aid in the cultural development of Vermont’s recognized tribes, while enabling all indigenous peoples in Vermont and elsewhere to move forward and formulate positive outcomes, from the history of colonization.” New Mexico and South Dakota have renamed Columbus Day. Legislation in Maine is awaiting the governor’s signature.