Panel considers renaming First Nations Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day; testimony reflects differing views on scope

Representative Finley DeVille introduced House Bill 15‑45 to rename the state observance currently called First Nations Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day. He framed the change as an effort to "honor and recognize the rich history, culture, and contributions of indigenous people in North Dakota and throughout The United States." He asked the committee for a do‑pass recommendation.

Supporters included tribal leadership and elected lawmakers. Colette Brown (reading testimony from Spirit Lake Nation chairwoman Lana J. Street) urged the committee to back the change and said the term "Indigenous Peoples Day is widely recognized and encompasses all Native American tribes and communities." Carol Two Eagles, a Lakota pipe carrier who helped lead the earlier naming deliberations, said the original compromise that led to First Nations Day included substantial discussion of naming and focus; she told the committee she prefers a North Dakota focus but respects the national usage and left the final decision to lawmakers.

Committee members asked detailed questions about terminology and scope. Representative Rios expressed concern that the term "indigenous peoples" can be broad — covering groups worldwide — and suggested alternatives such as "Indigenous Peoples of North Dakota" or "Tribal Nations of North Dakota" to concentrate recognition on residents and nations of the state. Testimony indicated some tribal and community advocates want alignment with the broader national and inter‑tribal movement to use "Indigenous Peoples' Day," while others emphasized focusing on the state's tribes.

Representative Brown, reading Spirit Lake Nation testimony, said the change would "align with North Dakota with growing national movement to honor rich histories, cultures and contributions of indigenous peoples." Representative Finley DeVille said he had consulted with tribal representatives and that community members who testifed supported the Indigenous Peoples' Day language.

No formal committee action is recorded in the transcript. The hearing record shows broad support among tribal representatives for the intent to elevate and recognize indigenous communities, and committee members sought clarity on whether the statutory language should refer specifically to the indigenous peoples of North Dakota or use the broader national term.