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Bill

HB 845

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Earle Banks

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

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Bill Summary · HB 845

Legislative bill overview

HB 845 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 officially recognized Indigenous peoples on this date instead of celebrating Columbus.

Why is this important

The change reflects a national conversation about how states commemorate historical figures and events. For Indigenous communities, this recognition validates their historical presence and contemporary significance. For others, it represents a shift in how Americans reckon with colonial history and indigenous populations' ongoing presence in the country.

Potential points of contention

  • Holiday replacement debate: Whether this should replace Columbus Day entirely or create a separate holiday, affecting traditional Columbus Day observances and federal/state holiday coordination
  • Historical framing: Disagreement over how to characterize Columbus and colonialism—some view the change as corrective history, others as erasing historical figures
  • Implementation costs: Questions about workplace accommodations, school calendar adjustments, and whether state employees receive the day off

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

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