After a decade-long fight between Republican state lawmakers and members of Montana’s American Indian Caucus, the state of Montana — home to 12 tribes and seven reservations — will now recognize Indigenous Peoples Day.

Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte on May 9 signed Senate Bill 224 into law, making Indigenous Peoples Day an official state holiday, alongside Columbus Day, on the second Monday in October.

Sen. Shane Morigeau, D-Missoula and the bill’s sponsor, said the bill’s passage is “good for Montana.”

“This is about learning from one another and bringing each other together,” he told Montana Free Press. “It’s something we can take pride in. … We’re going to have a day where we can empower our youth and future generations in a positive way.”

Passing SB 224 was a top priority for Montana’s American Indian Caucus, a group of Native American lawmakers who work together to advance legislation they say is good for Indian Country. The bill’s passage is the latest example of the caucus’ success this session.

Dozens of people traveled to Helena to voice their support for the bill as it advanced through the Legislature. They argued that recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day promotes unity and encourages all Montanans to celebrate their own heritage.

In years past, supporters have said that celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day honors the state’s Native American population, instills pride in identity and encourages people to learn more about their neighbors.

While Indigenous Peoples Day is not a federal holiday, more than a dozen states and at least 200 cities — including Bozeman, Helena and Missoula — recognize the day. Former President Joe Biden in 2021 issued the first presidential proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day. In April, however, President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that he is “bringing Columbus Day back.”

Morigeau said Trump’s post made him fear his bill wouldn’t be signed into law.

“I was worried,” he told Montana Free Press on Friday. “I prayed about it regularly. I smudged every day. And I was already gearing up to figure something out if that happened. … But we’ve tried to make this a Montana day that people could feel good about and proud of. It makes me happy that [Gianforte] saw that.”

Naomi Billedeaux, a Salish language instructor at Salish Kootenai College, told Montana Free Press in a recent interview that state recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day is an important step forward in dismantling stereotypes and promoting healing.

“(It’s) a continuation of respect for tribal relations and a way to create space for education from an Indigenous perspective,” she said.

Jennifer Jilot, a teacher at Arlee High School, traveled to Helena with her students to testify in support of the bill at a March committee hearing. State recognition of the holiday, she said, is “a big win.”

“So often, we are ignored,” she told Montana Free Press. “We’re on the backburner. People don’t acknowledge us or don’t think we exist or don’t understand our contributions. … We contributed to the world. And that needs to be taught in our schools. That needs to be recognized by our government. And I’m tired of having to explain to people how we are still here.”

Olivia Adams, a senior at Arlee High School and citizen of the Blackfeet Nation, wrote her testimony on the two-hour bus ride to Helena. She urged lawmakers to recognize the holiday, saying it offers “a chance to celebrate the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities.”

“I was definitely nervous,” Adams later told Montana Free Press. “But I knew I was doing something good for my people. I have role models in my family. My great-grandfather was Chief Earl Old Person. He fought for our people, and I want to do that, too.”

While the bill establishing Indigenous Peoples Day sailed through the state Legislature this session, past attempts have been anything but smooth. Indigenous lawmakers in Montana have proposed similar legislation for a decade with no success.

Through the years, lawmakers have cited different reasons for their opposition to establishing the state-recognized holiday in October. Some took issue with past legislation that would have eliminated Columbus Day, arguing that Christopher Columbus is an important historical figure. Last legislative session in 2023, lawmakers criticized bill sponsor Morigeau for speaking about the atrocities Columbus committed against Native Americans when he advocated for a similar bill.

Montana Senate votes against Indigenous Peoples holiday

Marsha Small, co-founder of Indigenous Peoples Day Montana, said she has testified at the last six legislative sessions in support of establishing the holiday.

“It’s been a long journey,” she told Montana Free Press in a recent interview. “A bumpy ride.”

Through the years, Small said she and other advocates employed different strategies when trying to convince lawmakers of the legislation’s importance.

“In the early years, it just felt like us against them,” she recalled. “It was a lot of ugly words. Racism. Prejudice.”

Later, Small said supporters cited tribal sovereignty as a reason why the holiday should be state-recognized. Other testimony centered on Columbus’ violence against Native Americans. Some argued the holiday encourages education and connection.

The winning strategy, she said, was one of inclusion. Supporters this year told law makers that Indigenous Peoples Day is meant to celebrate all Montanans, no matter where they come from. Small, who can’t wait to attend celebrations next October, said the holiday will bring people together.

“This is how we heal,” she added.

Note: This story originally appeared on Montana Free Press. It is published under a Creative Commons license.