Columbus Day Could Become Indigenous Peoples' Day In Glen Rock

GLEN ROCK, NJ — Borough officials are considering remaining Columbus Day Indigenous Peoples' Day.

For the second consecutive year, Mayor Bruce Packer and the Borough Council discussed the possibility of making the change. Officials received several emails from residents requesting the change.

Officials discussed the possible change at a Borough Council work session meeting Wednesday. The change would be made on the 2020 Borough Calendar.

Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day are celebrated on the second Monday in October. Another possibility could be to call the day by both names in Glen Rock.

Due to various opinions on the matter, Packer said, the matter was "put on hold" that will continue at a future work session meeting. He supports changing the name.

Seven states, Vermont, Maine, New Mexico, Alaska, South Dakota, Oregon, and Hawaii observe Indigenous People's Day or an equivalent alternative to Columbus Day. South Dakota, for example, observes Native American Day.

"With seven states and a growing number of cities, including Newark, enforcing the change, I thought it was important that we respect the wishes of our residents to have this discussion," Packer said in a statement Thursday. "I am proud of the respectful debate that took place at our work session despite differing views on how we should move forward and why."

New Jersey recognizes Columbus Day as a state holiday. It falls on Oct. 14 this year. It has been recognized as a federal holiday since 1937.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com