Vice President Kamala Harris has long been a vocal critic of Columbus Day, instead opting to commemorate Indigenous People’s Day on October 12. In fact, she has stated on multiple occasions that she would eliminate Columbus Day altogether if given the chance.
During her presidential campaign in 2019, Harris was asked whether she would support changing Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s Day on a federal level. Without hesitation, she replied, “Yes, I would.” Harris emphasized the importance of confronting the uncomfortable aspects of America’s history, saying, “We have to remember our history. Our morals, our compass, our goals, our aspirations. We have to remember our history.”
In her 2021 remarks on Columbus Day, Harris described the arrival of European explorers in the Americas as “shameful.” She argued that these explorers brought about a wave of devastation, including violence, land theft, and widespread disease, that had a lasting impact on Native American communities. Harris acknowledged the origins of Indigenous People’s Day, which was established in 1992, and expressed her support for the holiday.
Harris noted that the United States has officially recognized Columbus Day since 1934, but she argued that this narrative is incomplete. “That has never been the whole story,” she said. “Those explorers ushered in a wave of devastation for tribal nations. They perpetrated violence, stole land, and spread disease.” Harris called on Americans to confront this painful history and work to address its ongoing impact on Native American communities. “We must not shy away from this shameful past,” she said. “We must shed light on it and do everything we can to address the impact of the past on Native communities today.” Harris’s comments reflect her ongoing commitment to acknowledging and addressing the complexities of American history.
