Vice President Kamala Harris has stood firm in her support of Indigenous Peoples’ Day despite facing backlash on social media for her past remarks about renaming Columbus Day. In a recent post on her campaign account, Harris expressed her admiration for the young Indigenous leaders she met in Arizona and emphasized the importance of their leadership.
Videos of Harris from 2019 and 2021 have resurfaced on social media, highlighting her previous comments advocating for the renaming of Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day. She criticized European explorers for the devastation they brought upon Tribal nations when they arrived in the Americas in the late 1400s.
In response to Harris’ past comments, the Trump campaign criticized her for wanting to cancel American traditions like Columbus Day. They accused her of trying to erase the nation’s history and pledged to protect the legacy of Christopher Columbus.
Harris, in a speech in 2021, acknowledged the shameful past of European explorers and the impact it had on Native communities. She emphasized the need to shed light on this history and address its ongoing effects on Indigenous peoples.
Columbus Day, a federal holiday commemorating Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas, has faced growing criticism in recent years for celebrating colonialism and the genocide of Indigenous people. Activists have called for the holiday to be replaced with Indigenous Peoples’ Day and have pushed for the removal of Columbus statues in various cities.
President Biden became the first president to formally recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2021. Harris has consistently celebrated this holiday over Columbus Day, as evidenced by her social media posts. Despite facing criticism for her stance, Harris has remained steadfast in her support for Indigenous communities.
As social media users continue to debate Harris’ position on Columbus Day, the vice president has not responded to requests for comment on her past remarks. It remains to be seen whether Harris will push for the official recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day over Columbus Day in the future.
Overall, Harris’ unwavering support for Indigenous Peoples’ Day reflects her commitment to honoring and uplifting marginalized communities in the United States. By acknowledging the painful history of colonization and advocating for Indigenous rights, Harris continues to champion social justice and equality for all Americans.