Seattle Council unanimously approves Indigenous People’s Day over objections from Italian-Americans

The Seattle City Council has voted unanimously to create an Indigenous People’s Day that Italian Americans complain wipes out their own heritage and celebration. And they’re vowing a strong response later this week.

Indigenous People’s Day would be celebrated on the second Monday of October. Even though the city doesn’t officially recognize Columbus Day, it would be held on the same day as the federal holiday – much to the chagrin of Italian Americans.

“This resolution is about more than just a name change, it is about educating ourselves and our children about taking a stand against racism and discrimination,” said Councilmember Kshama Sawant, the lead sponsor of the measure.

In emotional testimony before the vote, Sawant and others argued millions of indigenous people inhabited the continent far before Columbus’ arrival.

He did not embark on a simple voyage of exploration. It was always intended as a voyage of conquest and ultimately colonization.

While no one spoke out in opposition to the creation of a day honoring the heritage and history of indigenous people’s, a number of Italian Americans are angry about its timing.

“We think it’s a real slap in the face to all of those of Italian heritage,” said Ralph Fascitelli, a spokesman for Seattle’s Italian American community, in an interview before the vote.

By creating the day on the same day as Columbus Day, Italian Americans argue what’s become an important celebration of their heritage and history is essentially being wiped out.

“The problem is that the mayor and the City Council couldn’t arbitrate and find an equitable solution so that Columbus Day, which is essentially Italian Heritage Day, wasn’t thrown under the bus,” he said.

The measure, passed by 7-0 vote, calls on city departments to create educational programs and celebrations for Indigenous People’s Day. It also calls on the Seattle School District to increase the teaching of history of indigenous people.

Last week, the school board voted on a resolution to declare the second Monday in October as Indigenous People’s Day as well.

“With passage of this resolution, the City of Seattle will show that it exhibits the same values of generosity and welcoming spirit with respect to the first inhabits of this territory,” said David Dean, a Puyallup tribal council member, before Monday’s vote.

“They deserve a day,” countered Italian American Frank Collucio in a statement to the Council before the vote. “[But] by the resolution you say to all Italian Americans that the City of Seattle no longer deems your heritage or your legacy worthy of recognition.”

The Italian American community plans a large-scale effort to preserve Columbus Day and keep it at the forefront. Details will be announced at a media event scheduled for Thursday, Fascitelli said.

“It’s disappointing, but we are going to respond,” he said.