Moscow Human Rights Commission asks city to change holiday’s name to honor Native Americans instead of ‘nasty’ explorer
Because, you know, Columbus rampaged across America.
The Moscow Human Rights Commission is requesting the city of Moscow change Columbus Day, which falls on Oct. 9 this year, to Indigenous Peoples Day.
Ken Faunce, MHRC chair, said the biggest reason the commission desires the change is Columbus Day, named after explorer Christopher Columbus, is a symbol of conquest, genocide and slavery to Native American groups. Plus, Native Americans are indigenous to this area, Faunce said.
“He’s so nasty that even people of his day said the guy was a murderer and horrible and an atrocity,” Faunce said. “And he was removed from his position and put on trial for his crimes and found guilty of his crimes, but then the king of Spain pardoned him.”
Indigenous Peoples Day would honor Native Americans and their ancestors, Faunce said.
While Columbus Day is recognized at the state of Idaho and federal level, City Supervisor Gary Riedner said the city of Moscow does not recognize Columbus Day as a holiday. Instead, city employees receive the day after Thanksgiving off as a substitute for Columbus Day, Riedner said.