Vice President Kamala Harris’s stance on Columbus Day has sparked renewed debate about the holiday’s significance and the need to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Unearthed remarks from 2019 and 2021 highlight her consistent support for Indigenous Peoples’ Day and her critical view of Columbus’s arrival in the Americas.
In 2019, while campaigning for the presidency, Harris explicitly stated her support for renaming Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This position was reinforced in 2021 during her role as Vice President, where she addressed the National Congress of American Indians, highlighting the devastating impact of European exploration on Indigenous communities.
Harris declared that the United States must not shy away from its “shameful past” of European explorers who she said ushered “in a wave of devastation for Tribal nations.” She acknowledged the violence, land theft, and spread of disease that followed Columbus’s arrival, emphasizing the need to address the lasting consequences of these events on Native communities.
This stance has drawn criticism from some, including the Trump campaign, which labeled Harris a “stereotypical leftist” for her stance. The campaign maintained that President Trump would ensure Christopher Columbus’s legacy is honored and protected against those who seek to “erase our nation’s history.”
The debate over Columbus Day versus Indigenous Peoples’ Day underscores a broader conversation about the historical narrative of colonization and the need to recognize the experiences of Indigenous populations. Activists have argued that Columbus Day celebrates a legacy of colonialism and genocide, advocating for the recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead. This sentiment has been reflected in the removal of Columbus statues in various cities, particularly during the 2020 protests.
President Biden, in 2021, took a step towards acknowledging this perspective by formally recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the same day as Columbus Day. Vice President Harris has consistently celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day through her official social media accounts, highlighting her continued commitment to recognizing the contributions and resilience of Indigenous communities.
The debate surrounding Columbus Day and its potential replacement with Indigenous Peoples’ Day remains a significant issue, one that raises important questions about the way we remember and celebrate our history. It serves as a reminder of the need for inclusivity and a more nuanced understanding of the past, particularly as it relates to the experiences of Indigenous populations.