The city of Tempe will celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day as a paid holiday on Oct. 9 this year. The Tempe City Council approved the holiday in a unanimous vote at its Sept. 7 regular council meeting.

In a press release Tuesday, city officials said by adopting Indigenous Peoples Day, the city is demonstrating its commitment to being a more inclusive and culturally diverse community.

Councilmember Doreen Garlid also serves on the Local Indigenous Leaders committee for the National League of Cities.

“I got choked up the moment that Mayor Woods announced that this resolution passed 7-0,” Garlid said. “I am so thankful to our council and staff for creating and approving Indigenous Peoples Day as a city holiday. This is one more step that we have taken to show our commitment that Tempe’s Land Acknowledgement Resolution would be more than just words.” 

Phoenix and many other cities already recognize the holiday in lieu of Columbus Day.