In a sincere spirit of reverence, Trump has destroyed Biden’s 2020 acknowledgment of the American genocide with this week’s reinstatement of Columbus Day only celebration; namely, October 13. Pathetically Trump also wiped out the introduction to the federal observance of Indigenous Peoples Day, as brought by the Biden administration only in 2021 as an attempt laudable to identify America’s very intrinsic blood laden relationship with colonization.
Why Indegenous Peoples Day Had Been Gaining Ground
Because of growing recognition about the harmful legacy of colonization to native peoples the ways in which the ugly side of history embedded in the popular memory of Columbus who is often seen as the good triumphant patron of western exploration and could not be ignored under the diffuse light of the present.
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In a precedent setting move by Biden in 2021, Columbus Day continued to be celebrated, alongside Indigenous Peoples Day, at the federal level. It was novel at the federal level to celebrate both days. At the state level, states like South Dakota, Vermont and Alaska had earlier marked or partnered Columbus Day with indigenous heritage celebrations. The cities of New York, Los Angeles and Denver hosted both days a byproduct of the emerging national discourse on representation and historical accuracy.
Who Recognizes Indigenous Peoples Day, Federal or State?
By this act of Trump, Indigenous Peoples Day is now over in real existence on a federal level, but it remains valid at state levels unless objectively stated. State legislatures where Indigenous Peoples Day have been observed still have not yet shown any sign as to whether they will or will not continue through 2025. These local observances are thus far likely to continue even without federal recognition, thus open public discourse on the meaning of the holiday.
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Right in the Middle of Politics on History & Identity
This incident is not just about some holiday it greatly subtracts from a bigger socio-cultural narrative. In the last many months, Trump has spoken out against attempts by the Democrats to change the U.S. history by telling them they have dared infringe on U.S. national heritage by adopting woke ideology.
Thus, seen by his supporters depicts Trump’s decision to reinstate Columbus Day in a long line of arguments as defending heritage while his critics perceive it as yet another step backward against Indigenous voices and trace.
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