FARGO (KFGO) - For the first time, Fargo is observing Indigenous Peoples Day instead of Columbus Day Monday.
Fargo's Native American Commission spent months working on the change before the City Commission passed a resolution a year ago, abolishing Columbus Day.
Dr. James Loewen, an acclaimed historian and sociologist, is in Fargo as part of the city observed holiday. He's a best selling author who works to overturn misinformation about U.S. history. One of his best known books is "Lies My Teacher Told Me; Everything Your High School History Textbook Got Wrong." Christopher Columbus is at the top of Loewen's list.
He says while everyone talks about his discovery in 1492, vikings had already been here long before. He says the real history was 1493 when Columbus led 17 ships with 2,000 soldiers, armoured horses and attack dogs and took over the island of Haiti. Loewen says "one country now ruled another country an ocean away something that have never been done before."
Crystal Gonzales, a former member of Fargo's Native American Commission, says it's important to set the record straight and efforts to do that should not be seen as an attack on American history. She says she's "overwhelmed" by Fargo's willingness to accept changes in their history.
A number of events are planned at the Stage at Island Park. Dr. Loewen is part of panel discussion that starts at 6:15 p.m. Monday.