St. Regis Mohawk Tribe supports move to Indigenous People's Day


A "1492" float from a Columbus Day parade in New York City. Photo from Columbus Day Weekend

The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe is supporting efforts to celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day at public schools in Plattsburgh, New York.

Sixth-grade students at Stafford Middle School came up with the idea but school board members asked them to get input from the Native community. Chief Ron LaFrance met with the students and told them he was proud of their initiative, The Plattsburgh Press-Republican reported.

Other tribal members, including 11-year-old Rakwirahes, also met with the group. He said Columbus Day doesn't deserve to be celebrated.

"There are many men that deserve recognition over someone like him," Rakwirahes told the Press-Republican. "His contributions have been far exaggerated."

The school board hasn't said whether it will vote on the request.

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St. Regis Mohawks support Indigenous People’s Day (The Plattsburgh Press-Republican 2/4)

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