KY. House and Senate Adopt Indigenous Peoples’ Day Resolutions

he Kentucky Senate and House of Representatives have adopted permanent resolutions declaring the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honor and recognize “the unique contributions made by indigenous peoples to the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the United States of America.”

Stanford resident Angelia Arnett Garner was instrumental in getting both Sen. Rick Girdler (R) and Rep. David Meade (R) to sponsor the simple resolutions in the Senate and House.

“It is really a privilege to sponsor this resolution and bring attention to the history of Kentucky’s Indigenous People and their contributions to our state and nation,” Meade stated. “Many Kentuckians, including me, have Native American ancestors. My own great-grandmother was 100% Cherokee, so I personally appreciate the work that Angela Garnett Garner is doing to bring attention to our Native American heritage.”

Girdler said, “Kentucky’s history is rich, and indigenous people are a part of our story.” {snip}

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Garner said having the General Assembly pass the simple resolution, Kentucky is now the fourth state to have a permanent resolution making Indigenous Peoples’ Day fall on the same day as Columbus Day.

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Because the Senate and House recognize and value “the vast contributions made to the United States by indigenous peoples’ knowledge, science, philosophy, arts and culture …” they have declared the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Kentucky.