HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2267

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:

Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs

Title: An act relating to recognition of indigenous peoples' day.

Brief Description: Recognizing indigenous peoples' day.

Sponsors: Representatives Sawyer, Stambaugh, Stonier, Valdez, Slatter, Ormsby, Senn, Robinson, Goodman, Tarleton, Fey, Bergquist, Santos, McBride, Fitzgibbon, Tharinger, Dolan, Chapman, Frame, Sells, Reeves, Stanford, Macri, Kloba, Appleton, Jinkins, Ryu, Pollet, Doglio and Gregerson.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs: 1/11/18, 1/16/18 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Recognizes October 12 as "Indigenous People's Day" replacing recognition of Columbus Day.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING & TRIBAL AFFAIRS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 4 members: Representatives Ryu, Chair; Macri, Vice Chair; Reeves and Sawyer.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 3 members: Representatives Barkis, Ranking Minority Member; McCabe, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Jenkin.

Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).

Background:

Apart from the state legal holidays, the state identifies certain days of recognition throughout the year. Such recognition dates commemorate an event, individual, or groups of persons. Individuals with a date of recognition include Christopher Columbus, whose landing on the American continent in 1492 is commemorated on October 12. This commemoration coincides with the federal holiday, Columbus Day, celebrated on the second Monday in October.

In 1994 the United Nations declared International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples to be observed each year on August 9. Since then, several states and various local jurisdictions have commemorated Indigenous People's Day, in conjunction with or replacement of Columbus Day.

In Washington, Indigenous People's Day has been recognized by cities, including Seattle, Spokane, Olympia, and Bainbridge Island. There are 29 federally recognized tribes in Washington, as well as other tribal communities and individuals who claim Native American ancestry.

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Summary of Bill:

Indigenous People's Day is recognized on October 12, replacing recognition of Columbus Day.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The complete history of Columbus is widely misunderstood and not taught in schools. Columbus never reached the continent and he was punished and returned to Europe for his mistreatment of native population during his explorations. There needs to be a better understanding of history and the negative impact that Columbus' exploration had on indigenous populations. It is time for the state to face the truth and legacy of Columbus and the treatment of indigenous people.

The international community has long recognized indigenous rights. This bill will get the state on the right side of history and help foster a more accurate understanding of history and the perspective of native people.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Sawyer, prime sponsor; Claudia Kauffman; and Brian Cladoosby, Swinomish Community of Indians.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.