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Bill would align Nevada’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day with national observance; supporters, opponents testify
Summary
Assemblymember Shaye Backus told the Senate Committee on Government Affairs that AB 144 would align Nevada's Indigenous Peoples' Day observance with the second Monday in October, the date many tribes and jurisdictions already use.
Assemblymember Shaye Backus (Assembly District 37) introduced Assembly Bill 144 to the Senate Committee on Government Affairs, saying the measure would align Nevada's statutory observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day with the date many tribes, counties and businesses already observe: the second Monday in October.
"AB 144 will align the date to honor the resilience of our ancestors and to uplift the enduring legacies of indigenous peoples," Backus said, adding that the bill "does not repeal Nevada's observance of Columbus Day" and that the governor's proclamation language in the bill would encourage media, schools and others to observe the day.
The hearing drew substantial, primarily proponent testimony. Tribal representatives, tribal liaisons and Native organizations urged the committee to update state law to reflect how Indigenous Peoples' Day is already observed across Nevada. Sydney Williams of the Walker River Paiute Tribe told the committee: "AB 144 is not about creating something new. It's about aligning state law with the truth of what already exists. Passing this bill is a necessary step towards respect, visibility, and a good faith relationship with Nevada's indigenous peoples."
Witnesses highlighted several points that appeared repeatedly in testimony: Nevada has 20 federally recognized tribes (testimony), the state's current statutory observance is set at August 9 (the UN International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples), and many tribes and communities observe the second Monday in October with events, round dances and educational programming. Supporters urged the committee to make state law consistent with on-the-ground practice.
Opponents also testified. Witnesses from Italian-American and other organizations said moving the October observance would supplant or diminish Columbus Day, which some witnesses framed as important to Italian-American heritage. Several callers said Nevada already recognizes Indigenous Peoples' Day on August 9 and that the bill would replace an established national and state observance.
Sponsor Backus closed by reiterating that the bill would not repeal Columbus Day and said the measure simply codifies what many Nevada communities already practice. The committee closed the hearing without a recorded vote.
