Indigenous Peoples Day growing in popularity

HARTFORD, Vt. — Vermont has officially changed Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day.



Gov. Peter Shumlin signed an executive proclamation Thursday, making the change.



Under the decree, Shumlin said a growing number of cities in towns in the United States have recognized the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples' Day.



The day is "an opportunity to celebrate indigenous heritage and resiliency," the proclamation stated.



"I think it's been a really long time coming," said White River Junction Cartoon Studies student Erienne McCray. "Now Vermont has built in this day to celebrate indigenous peoples and i think that's fantastic.



Vermont traditionally "recognizes the historic, cultural and contemporary significance of the Indigenous Peoples of the land that later became known as the Americas, including Vermont," Shumlin's decree stated.



"The State of Vermont recognizes that it was founded and is built upon lands first inhabited by the Indigenous Peoples of this region - the Abenaki and their ancestors and allies - and acknowledges and honors the members of the community, both past and present."



Shumlin encouraged all Vermonters to celebrate the new holiday.