HOUSE MEMORIAL 27

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2007

INTRODUCED BY

Irvin Harrison

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

     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.