Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) announced she is cosponsoring legislation that would make Indigenous Peoples’ Day a federal holiday, replacing Columbus Day. The bicameral Indigenous Peoples’ Day Act was recently introduced by Representatives Norma J. Torres (D-Calif.), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), Sharice Davids (D-Kan.), and Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), and Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.). Maine is among the 13 states, including the District of Columbia, that recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a holiday on the state level. 

“Columbus Day has long been a painful reminder of the suffering that was inflicted on Indigenous peoples in North America, and the ongoing disparity in opportunity and treatment offered to them by the federal government. I am proud that, in 2019, Maine took overdue steps to recognize the contributions of the Wabanaki Confederacy and acknowledge this painful legacy by declaring the second Monday in October to be Indigenous Peoples’ Day,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “But we need a national reckoning, too. President Biden set a hopeful tone in 2021 when, for the first time in U.S. history, the day federally known as Columbus Day was commemorated as Indigenous Peoples’ Day with a presidential proclamation. By declaring Indigenous Peoples’ Day a federal holiday, Americans have the opportunity to acknowledge our shared history and recognize native tribes as this land’s true first inhabitants.” 

In 2021, President Joe Biden because the first president to formally commemorate Indigenous Peoples’ Day with a presidential proclamation. The proclamation was issued by President Biden again in 2022. 

Pingree is Ranking Member of the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, and is a member of the Native American Caucus.

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