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•February 21, 2019

Move to change name of Columbus Day stalls in committee in New Hampshire

CONCORD, N.H. —

Watch the video here: https://www.wmur.com/article/move-to-change-name-of-columbus-day-stalls-in-committee/26417319

 

New Hampshire will not change the name of Columbus Day after a bill to rename it Indigenous Peoples Day didn’t make it out of committee.

A House committee voted to retain the bill Tuesday, meaning it will remain in committee until next year.

Advocates said the historical Christopher Columbus was a far cry from the explorer portrayed in most textbooks, and they believe the current name of the holiday is offensive to Native Americans and minorities.

Local indigenous people said they are disappointed in the vote.

“It’s a process, but we did hear some very racist comments that are going to have to be worked out in committee,” said Paul Pouliot, of the Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook-Abenaki People.

Some opponents of the name change said it would be an affront to Italian-Americans.

https://www.wmur.com/article/move-to-change-name-of-columbus-day-stalls-in-committee/26417319