News

Maine celebrates 1st Indigenous People’s Day

Maine celebrates 1st Indigenous People’s Day

Photo: clipart.com


AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) Mainer’s are celebrating a new holiday.

Maine lawmakers officially replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous People’s Day which is being marked for the first time on Monday.

Lawmakers decided to rename the holiday that honored Christopher Columbus because atrocities he and other European explorers committed. Maine tribal leaders say they hope the new holiday will lead to more understanding of the history and culture of the four tribes in Maine.

Maine joins Vermont, New Mexico, Alaska, Minnesota, Oregon, Hawaii and South Dakota in passing similar laws, supplanting the holiday name that has been celebrated nationwide since 1937.

But it’s not without some controversy. The mayor of Waterville, Nick Isgro, read a proclamation aimed at keeping the Columbus Day name at a council meeting on Oct. 1.

Latest Headlines

5 minutes ago in Local

Bangor Crash Suspect Faces Felony Charges

Fresh

Troopers say they located and arrested the suspect at his apartment in Brewer on Sunday morning.

6 hours ago in Local

Brewer man arrested for hit and run crash in Bangor

48-year-old David Harris was arrested by police this morning on multiple charges, including operating without a license.

1 day ago in Local

Deadly House Fire in Hiram Claims a Life

Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office were called to the scene of a deadly house fire in Hiram. Crews…

2 days ago in Local

Gov. Mills vetoes moratorium on new data centers in Maine

Gov. Janet Mills has vetoed a first-in-the-nation moratorium on new data centers in Maine.

2 days ago in Local

Judge gives Maine 30 days to review signatures for transgender student referendum

A judge on Friday gave the Maine Secretary of State's Office 30 days to review signatures gathered for a referendum concerning transgender students.