Missoula, MT – Montana is on the verge of recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day as an official state holiday, as the Montana House recently voted to advance Senate Bill 224. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Shane Morigeau, D-Missoula, seeks to establish the second Monday in October as a day to honor the state’s Indigenous communities, alongside the long-standing Columbus Day holiday.
On Wednesday afternoon, the House voted 88-12 in favor of advancing the bill, which now heads for a final vote before the end of the legislative session. If approved, it will move to Gov. Greg Gianforte’s desk for consideration.
Rep. Tyson Running Wolf, D-Browning, who carried the bill on the House floor, emphasized that the goal of the holiday is to recognize not only the Indigenous peoples of Montana but to foster a broader appreciation for the diverse cultures that shape the state’s identity. “The day has morphed into something to recognize everyone,” Running Wolf stated, noting that the presence of Montana’s Indigenous communities would always be a central focus, but the holiday aims to be inclusive of all Montanans.
This marks the fourth attempt to establish Indigenous Peoples Day in Montana, following unsuccessful efforts in the 2019, 2021, and 2023 legislative sessions. Unlike previous proposals, SB 224 would not replace Columbus Day but would instead recognize both holidays on the same day. This compromise was seen as a way to acknowledge the significance of both holidays—Columbus Day for some Italian-American communities and Indigenous Peoples Day for others.
During the House debate, Rep. Ed Byrne, R-Creston, proposed an amendment to alter the order of the two holidays, suggesting that Columbus Day should come before Indigenous Peoples Day to maintain its historical precedence. However, the amendment was voted down 27-70. While Running Wolf did not object to the principle of the amendment, he expressed concern that any changes could delay the bill’s passage.
In addition to establishing Indigenous Peoples Day, SB 224 also includes a provision to officially rename Montana’s February holiday from “Lincoln’s and Washington’s Birthdays” to the more commonly recognized “Presidents Day.” This adjustment is part of a broader effort to modernize the state’s holiday calendar.
The bill’s passage in the House represents a significant step toward recognizing Montana’s Indigenous heritage. Should it pass the final vote, SB 224 will move forward to the governor for final approval, potentially marking a milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to honor its diverse cultural legacy.
