CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — The Charlottesville City Council has voted to commemorate Indigenous Peoples Day on the same day that Columbus Day has been traditionally observed.

The Daily Progress reports the Charlottesville City Council voted this week to mark the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples Day. That date has traditionally been celebrated as Columbus Day, though the city does not currently observe the holiday.

The resolution says Indigenous Peoples Day shall be used to reflect upon the ongoing struggles of Indigenous people on this land and to celebrate the thriving culture and value that Indigenous nations add to Charlottesville.

Charlottesville has been in the national spotlight since violence and civil unrest erupted after the city council voted to remove a statue of Robert E. Lee.

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