Phoenix considers celebrating Native American culture on Columbus Day

Phoenix could soon join a collection of cities that hold alternative celebrations on Columbus Day to commemorate the history and contributions of Native American cultures.

City leaders are considering whether to establish Indigenous Peoples Day on the second Monday of October. Supporters say the event would promote a more accurate understanding of history and celebrate the city's large, vibrant Native American population.

Native American activists have fought for decades to rename the federal Columbus Day holiday. They say it perpetuates a false narrative about Christopher Columbus "discovering" the Americas — ignoring the countless indigenous people who were killed, enslaved and displaced in the years that followed the explorer's 1492 voyage.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2016/09/26/phoenix-considers-celebrating-native-american-culture-columbus-day/90795432/