Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day:

“Maine is home to people from many lands, like those with Italian, French and other ancestries, whose contributions we recognize and cherish. Today, our state takes another step forward in building a brighter, more inclusive future by honoring Maine’s tribal communities. On Maine’s first indigenous Peoples’ Day, let us pay tribute to those who were the first stewards of this land we call Maine, celebrate their many contributions to our great state and recommit ourselves to fostering a relationship anchored in mutual trust and respect.”

Governor Mills signed LD 179, An Act to Replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, into law on April 26, 2019.

Alabama,  Alaska, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont and Wisconsin – in addition to more than 130 cities and towns – have also adopted Indigenous Peoples’ Day or Native American Day.