Indigenous Activists Respond to Trump’s Stance on Columbus Day and Push for Greater Recognition

This week, President Donald Trump made headlines by announcing that he would not recognize Indigenous Peoples Day. Instead, he vowed to bring back Columbus Day in a move that some Native American leaders view as a setback. This marks another moment in the ongoing battle for Indigenous recognition in America.

The Debate Around Columbus Day

Every October, Columbus Day honors Christopher Columbus and his journey to the Americas. However, many Native Americans have long argued that the holiday promotes a legacy of colonization and violence. Instead, they push for a day that honors Indigenous cultures and their historical contributions.

Trump’s Rejection of Indigenous Peoples Day

Trump’s decision to ignore Indigenous Peoples Day is a continuation of his stance that Columbus should remain celebrated. He criticized Democrats for “destroying Columbus’s reputation” and accused them of pushing an agenda of wokeness. In doing so, he furthered the divide on how Americans should interpret history.

Biden’s Support for Indigenous Peoples Day

In 2021, President Joe Biden became the first U.S. president to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day. While Biden acknowledged the resilience and contributions of Native peoples, he did not remove Columbus Day from the federal calendar. His proclamation marked a step toward recognizing Native American sovereignty but did not address the larger issue of historical reckoning.

Indigenous Activists Demand Recognition

Former Navajo Nation president Jonathan Nez expressed frustration over Trump’s stance. He emphasized that Native Americans have fought long and hard for recognition as sovereign nations. His comments highlight how Native American communities continue to face challenges in gaining respect and visibility within U.S. political discourse.

While Trump acknowledged National Native American Heritage Month during his presidency, his administration’s focus on Columbus Day showed little support for Native communities’ demands for proper recognition.

Growing Momentum for Indigenous Peoples Day

The movement to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day has gained traction in recent years. More local and state governments have adopted the holiday, recognizing the importance of honoring Native cultures and contributions. Activists argue that this is part of a larger reckoning over racial injustice and the need to address colonial history.

A New Narrative of Columbus’ Legacy

Many Native Americans believe that Christopher Columbus should not be glorified. They argue that his actions caused devastation to Indigenous communities. Shane Morigeau, a Montana state senator and member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, pointed out that acknowledging the impact of Columbus’s legacy is essential. His call to teach the truth about history reflects a growing movement toward a more inclusive and accurate narrative.

Trump’s Focus on Italian-American Heritage

Trump’s defense of Columbus Day ties back to the broader historical context of the holiday. Columbus Day was originally adopted in the 1890s as a way to honor Italian-American heritage. Trump’s emphasis on Columbus’ legacy reflects this cultural aspect, but it also reveals a selective approach to history.

The Future of Indigenous Advocacy

Despite political setbacks, Native Americans remain committed to the fight for Indigenous recognition. Bryan Newland, a former assistant secretary in the Biden administration, reminded advocates that the work of securing Indigenous dignity and sovereignty is not tied to any single president. This is a generational effort that will continue regardless of shifting political landscapes.

Conclusion: Advocating for Change

The debate over Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day is far from over. Activists will continue to challenge outdated historical narratives and fight for more accurate representations of Indigenous cultures. The movement for Indigenous recognition remains a key issue, one that demands a deeper understanding of the nation’s history.