Santa Fe, NM – Today, the House Chamber passed a bill sponsored by Representative Derrick Lente (D-Sandia Pueblo) and Representative Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe) to rename Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples' Day. House Bill 100 celebrates New Mexico's indigenous and Native American communities.
"Indigenous Peoples' Day recognizes that Native Americans and indigenous communities are central to New Mexico's rich and vibrant cultural history. New Mexico's Nations, Tribes, and Pueblos are what truly make us the Land of Enchantment," said Rep. Derrick Lente.
"As New Mexicans, we cherish our Native and indigenous communities. This legislation is about honoring our rich and diverse cultural history – and recognizing that Native communities are core to our state's identity," said Rep. Andrea Romero.
House Democrats understand that indigenous peoples and Native Americans are central to New Mexico's diverse and rich cultural history.
House Bill 100 now heads to the Senate for consideration.
