x
Breaking News
More () »

Kalamazoo changes Columbus Day, keeps controversial fountain

The Kalamazoo City Commission approved a resolution Monday to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day on the second Monday of October every year. 
Credit: Courtesy of National Park Service
The Fountain of the Pioneers complex in Bronson Park, Kalamazoo, MI.

Officials in Kalamazoo have agreed to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day instead of Columbus Day, but the city hasn't decided what to do with a statue that some say celebrates the forced removal of Native Americans.

The Kalamazoo City Commission approved a resolution Monday to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day on the second Monday of October every year. The deputy city manager says the move is symbolic because Kalamazoo doesn't recognize Columbus Day.

Commissioners also discussed the Fountain of the Pioneer, which depicts a Native American wearing a headdress and facing a weapon-wielding settler. Several people at the Monday meeting called for its removal.

Commissioners didn't immediately make a motion regarding the fountain. But they agreed to re-open the conversation.

Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the WZZM 13 app now.

Have a news tip? Email news@wzzm13.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter.

Before You Leave, Check This Out