Critics seek ‘Discovery Day’ name change, saying it ignores Indigenous presence
ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — A movement is afoot to change the name of a holiday recognizing Europeans’ so-called “discovery” of Newfoundland and Labrador.
A St. John’s city councillor said 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 24th to coincide with explorer John Cabot’s arrival in 1497. The province first celebrated Discovery Day in 1997, 500 years later.