RED WING — The city of Red Wing has renamed Columbus Day to recognize the cultural and historical connection to the Mdewakanton  (M’DAY-wah-kahn-tahn) Dakota American Indian tribe.

Oct. 12 will now be called Chief Red Wing Day in the city. The City Council rejected a resolution similar to one passed in Minneapolis last week which calls for Columbus Day to be held in conjunction with a new celebration called Indigenous Peoples Day, in honor of the people who were already in North America when Christopher Columbus arrived.

Reports said the issue is especially sensitive in Red Wing, which is named for a Dakota Indian chief and is still home to hundreds of tribal members.

Council member Lisa Bayley says the change is an important symbol of support for Native American community members.