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A MEMORIAL

OFFERING REASONS TO CHANGE THE CELEBRATION OF COLUMBUS DAY TO

THE CELEBRATION OF INDIGENOUS DAY IN NEW MEXICO.

WHEREAS, Christopher Columbus did not discover America,

as the native peoples of the United States are well aware; and

WHEREAS, over twenty tribes call New Mexico home; and

WHEREAS, an estimated one hundred ninety-six thousand

six hundred ninety-five indigenous people live in New Mexico;

and

WHEREAS, indigenous people view Columbus day as a

celebration of conquest and genocide; and

WHEREAS, the indigenous people of New Mexico have as yet

no state recognition of their contributions, accomplishments,

history and culture; and

WHEREAS, New Mexicans should proudly celebrate

"indigenous day" rather than Columbus day in order to mark a

time to celebrate accomplishments and contributions rather

than a time to mourn the losses caused by Columbus; and

WHEREAS, the state of South Dakota changed the

celebration of Columbus day to Native American day eighteen

years ago, thus paying tribute to the indigenous people who

still thrive there today; and

WHEREAS, approximately twenty states and territories do

not recognize or celebrate Columbus day; and

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WHEREAS, the United States Virgin Islands and Puerto

Rico celebrate their joint friendship day instead of Columbus

day because of the atrocities committed in the Caribbean by

Columbus and his crew; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico should stop legitimizing the actions

of Columbus and stop perpetuating a historical fiction that

Columbus "discovered" the United States;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that "indigenous

day" be celebrated rather than Columbus day; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that "indigenous day" be used to

celebrate New Mexico's cultural diversity and its

multiculturalism; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be

transmitted to the governor, the secretary of higher

education, the secretary of public education and the

leadership of every Indian tribe, nation or pueblo in New

Mexico.