The city of Bainbridge Island is befittingly following the respectful route of declaring the second Monday of October — commonly observed as Columbus Day — as Indigenous Peoples Day.

The notion of retaking a day that celebrates the “discovery” of the New World by Christopher Columbus isn’t new; it’s been around since the 1970s.

In recent years, however, cities across Washington and the country — including Seattle, Olympia and Minneapolis, Minnesota — have proclaimed October’s second Monday as Indigenous Peoples Day.

This year, the list has grown to include cities near and far: Yakima; Cambridge, Massachusetts; Eugene, Oregon; Boulder, Colorado; and Santa Fe, New Mexico.

And here, on Sept. 27, the Bainbridge Island City Council voted unanimously to declare the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day.

Bainbridge’s resolution was championed by Councilman

Ron Peltier, and the city notes it is “meant to reflect our unique history and a present day community that includes the Island’s Indipino community, other Indigenous Bainbridge Islanders, and our Suquamish neighbors.”

The Bainbridge resolution was crafted in a collaborative effort between city council members, the city’s Historical Preservation Committee, the Island’s Indipino community, the Suquamish Tribe and others.

Acknowledging the contributions made to the community by indigenous peoples, past and present, the resolution also issued a reminder of Bainbridge’s “opposition to the long legacy of racism towards Indigenous Peoples,” and underscores the city’s aspirations to protect and promote human rights.

Fittingly, the resolution states it will be city policy to fund and participate in Indigenous Peoples Day activities and celebrations.

It all starts next week. The city of Bainbridge Island will host a special Indigenous Peoples Day celebration at city hall from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10.

The event will involve the sharing of food and drink, stories and prayer. Come join your fellow islanders in the spirit of solidarity.