Pols push to dump ‘American Indian’ from New York laws [Video]

ALBANY — A bill framed by progressive Democrats in the state Senate would amend a slew of New York laws by requiring all references to “American Indians” be replaced by the term “indigenous peoples.”

The legislation, authored by Sen. Robert Jackson, D-Manhattan, Bronx, argues that “indigenous peoples” is the “culturally and geographically correct term” to use for those individuals.

If approved, the measure would result in modifications to laws governing environmental conservation, education, cannabis regulation, transportation, the prison system and public authorities.

With Democrats in control of both houses of the Legislature, the bill could gain traction in the post-budget portion of the current legislative session. Work on the budget is supposed to be completed by April 1, though lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul at this stage have significant differences on funding decisions.

One of the bill’s co-sponsors, Sen. Brad Hoylman, D-Manhattan, said the proposed legislation is being advanced “in …