Critics seek 'Discovery Day' name change, saying it ignores Indigenous presence

A movement is afoot to change the name of a holiday recognizing Europeans' "discovery" of Newfoundland and Labrador.

A St. John's city councillor says Discovery Day ignores the existence of the province's Indigenous people.

Maggie Burton introduced a notice of motion at council on Monday evening, calling on the provincial government to find a more "appropriate" name, and asking that the city refer to the holiday as "St. John's Day" in the meantime.

Discovery Day is a designated provincial holiday, falling on the first Monday after June 24to coincide with explorer John Cabot's arrival in 1497.

Burton says use of the term "discovery" disregards the presence of Indigenous people who lived in the region long before Cabot's voyage.

Burton's notice follows a growing public discussion around the name's outdated connotations.

Memorial University of Newfoundland spokesperson David Sorensen said the university also hopes to negotiate changing the name of Discovery Day in its collective agreements with staff, starting as early as this fall.

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