Today is Columbus Day, but in a number of states and cities across the country, the second Monday in October is also recognized as indigenous peoples Day.

It's a counter celebration recognizing the resilience and contributions of Native Americans And 2021, the Kentucky General Assembly passed resolution and recognizing today as Indigenous Peoples Day.

The resolutions noted many tribes have lived in Kentucky for thousands of years, including the Cherokee Shawnee and Chickasaw.

Angela Arnett Garner is one of the people most responsible for pushing state lawmakers to take action.

She says the focus continues to be getting the day recognized as a federal holiday.

I believe that it's been proven that in Kentucky that, you know, we've passed 30, 35, either county, city or state.

Indigenous people say proclamations since 2017 and I think that, you know, if you can demonstrate that, it can be that you can garner widespread support.

And I one of the most staunchly conservative states in the United States, then it can happen anywhere.

And they need to consider that.

You know, if you can neutralize this issue politically in one of the most conservative states, then they need to take a look at federal recognition.

I've been in touch with things, some of the representatives that have offered legislation, but they always include that stipulation that they want to discontinue Christopher Columbus Day while also providing new legislation for the recognition of indigenous people, saying and I think it's just going to take time.

I think it's a step by step process of eliminating those false beliefs about Christopher Columbus.

An estimated 30,000 Indigenous people are living in Kentucky today.