'Respect our existence': Lawmakers hear bill to establish Indigenous Peoples Day in MT

'Respect our existence': Lawmakers hear bill to establish Indigenous Peoples Day in Montana

While 17 states and dozens of cities recognize Indigenous Peoples Day, Montana — home to 12 tribes and seven reservations — is not among them.

'Respect our existence': Lawmakers hear bill to establish Indigenous Peoples Day in MT

Where past discussions on similar legislation focused on Native American history and culture and the atrocities Christopher Columbus committed, this year, supporters of the bill largely spoke of unity.

Montana Legislature Moves to Establish Indigenous Peoples’ Day as Legal Holiday

Montana state Sen. Shane Morigeau, an enrolled member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, has introduced a bill to designate Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a legal holiday in the state