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HB 1018

Indigenous Native American Day; declare the second Monday in October as.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Earle Banks

Mississippi bill designates the second Monday in October as Indigenous Native American Day, shifting recognition from Columbus to Native American history and contributions.

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Bill Summary · HB 1018

Legislative bill overview

HB 1018 proposes to designate the second Monday in October as Indigenous Native American Day in Mississippi, replacing or supplementing the current Columbus Day observance. This would make Mississippi one of several states that have shifted their October holiday focus toward recognizing Native American history and contributions rather than Christopher Columbus.

Why is this important

The bill reflects a broader national movement to reframe how states commemorate October's second Monday, acknowledging historical injustices and centering Indigenous peoples' perspectives. For Mississippi, which has significant Native American communities and historical significance, the designation carries both cultural and symbolic weight in how the state recognizes its history.

Potential points of contention

  • Historical symbolism: Some residents view Columbus Day as an important historical observance, while others see it as celebrating colonization that harmed Native Americans
  • Practical implementation: Changing the official name affects state employees, schools, and businesses; requires updating calendars, materials, and potentially payroll systems
  • Political framing: Disagreement exists over whether this represents appropriate historical correction or reflects cultural politics that prioritizes one perspective over another

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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