{"id":16668,"date":"2021-10-08T11:54:08","date_gmt":"2021-10-08T15:54:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indianz.com\/News\/?p=16668"},"modified":"2021-10-08T11:55:06","modified_gmt":"2021-10-08T15:55:06","slug":"president-biden-issues-first-ever-proclamation-for-indigenous-peoples-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2021\/10\/08\/president-biden-issues-first-ever-proclamation-for-indigenous-peoples-day\/","title":{"rendered":"President Biden issues first-ever proclamation for Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Day"},"content":{"rendered":" <a href=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2021\/10\/08\/president-biden-issues-first-ever-proclamation-for-indigenous-peoples-day\/joebiden-9\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-16673\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" data-attachment-id=\"16673\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2021\/10\/08\/president-biden-issues-first-ever-proclamation-for-indigenous-peoples-day\/joebiden-9\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/08\/joebiden-scaled.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2560,1707\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-title=\"Joe Biden\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;President Joe Biden in the Oval Office of the White House on August 6, 2021. Photo: &lt;a href=https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/whitehouse\/51539701051\/&gt;Adam Schultz \/ White House&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/08\/joebiden-1024x683.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/08\/joebiden-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Joe Biden\" class=\"size-full wp-image-16673\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"figure-caption\"> President Joe Biden in the Oval Office of the White House on August 6, 2021. Photo: <a href=https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/whitehouse\/51539701051\/>Adam Schultz \/ White House<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n<div class=\"h3-responsive font-weight-bold\">President Biden issues first-ever proclamation for Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Day<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"date\">Friday, October 8, 2021<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"source\">Indianz.Com<\/div>\r\n<p><\/p>\r\nPresident Joe Biden is making history with the first-ever White House proclamation on <a href=https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Indigenous_Peoples%27_Day>Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Day<\/a>.\r\n<P><\/P>\r\nThe proclamation was  issued on Friday morning, ahead of the observation of Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Day across the nation on October 11.  In the document,  Biden highlights the need for the United States  government to live up to its trust and treaty responsibilities amid centuries of failures. \r\n<p><\/p>\r\n\u201cOur country was conceived on a promise of equality and opportunity for all people \u2014 a promise that, despite the extraordinary progress we have made through the years, we have never fully lived up to,\u201d Biden states. \u201cThat is especially true when it comes to upholding the rights and dignity of the Indigenous people who were here long before colonization of the Americas began.\u201d\r\n<P><\/P>\r\n\u201cFor generations, Federal policies systematically sought to assimilate and displace Native people and eradicate Native cultures.  Today, we recognize Indigenous peoples\u2019 resilience and strength as well as the immeasurable positive impact that they have made on every aspect of American society,\u201d the president continues. \u201cWe also recommit to supporting a new, brighter future of promise and equity for Tribal Nations \u2014 a future grounded in Tribal sovereignty and respect for the human rights of Indigenous people in the Americas and around the world.\u201d\r\n<p><\/p><div class=\"mt-1 mb-1\"><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\" data-ad-layout=\"in-article\" data-ad-format=\"fluid\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-8411603009680747\" data-ad-slot=\"6394965691\"><\/ins><script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\/script><\/div><p><\/p>\r\nDespite the historic words, the White House  is continuing a long   tradition of observing <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Columbus_Day\">Columbus Day<\/a>. But in  a separate proclamation, issued about a half-hour after the one for Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Day,  Biden calls attention to the mistreatment suffered by Native peoples following the exploration undertaken by Christopher Columbus, who never set foot in the present-day U.S.\r\n<P><\/P>\r\n\u201cToday, we also acknowledge the painful history of wrongs and atrocities that many European explorers inflicted on Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities.  It is a measure of our greatness as a Nation that we do not seek to bury these shameful episodes of our past &#8212; that we face them honestly, we bring them to the light, and we do all we can to address them,\u201d the second proclamation reads. \u201cFor Native Americans, western exploration ushered in a wave of devastation:  violence perpetrated against Native communities, displacement and theft of Tribal homelands, the introduction and spread of disease, and more.  \r\n<p><\/p>\r\n\u201cOn this day, we recognize this painful past and recommit ourselves to investing in Native communities, upholding our solemn and sacred commitments to Tribal sovereignty, and pursuing a brighter future centered on dignity, respect, justice, and opportunity for all people,\u201d Biden states.\r\n<p><\/p>\r\nThe text of both proclamations can be found below.\r\n<p><\/p>\r\n<div class=\"h5-responsive sub\">A Proclamation on Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Day, 2021<\/div>\r\nSince time immemorial, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians have built vibrant and diverse cultures \u2014 safeguarding land, language, spirit, knowledge, and tradition across the generations.  On Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Day, our Nation celebrates the invaluable contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples, recognizes their inherent sovereignty, and commits to honoring the Federal Government\u2019s trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations.\r\n<p><\/p>\r\nOur country was conceived on a promise of equality and opportunity for all people \u2014 a promise that, despite the extraordinary progress we have made through the years, we have never fully lived up to.  That is especially true when it comes to upholding the rights and dignity of the Indigenous people who were here long before colonization of the Americas began.  For generations, Federal policies systematically sought to assimilate and displace Native people and eradicate Native cultures.  Today, we recognize Indigenous peoples\u2019 resilience and strength as well as the immeasurable positive impact that they have made on every aspect of American society.  We also recommit to supporting a new, brighter future of promise and equity for Tribal Nations \u2014 a future grounded in Tribal sovereignty and respect for the human rights of Indigenous people in the Americas and around the world.\r\n<p><\/p>\r\nIn the first week of my Administration, I issued a memorandum reaffirming our Nation\u2019s solemn trust and treaty obligations to American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Nations and directed the heads of executive departments and agencies to engage in regular, meaningful, and robust consultation with Tribal officials.  It is a priority of my Administration to make respect for Tribal sovereignty and self-governance the cornerstone of Federal Indian policy.  History demonstrates that Native American people \u2014 and our Nation as a whole \u2014 are best served when Tribal governments are empowered to lead their communities and when Federal officials listen to and work together with Tribal leaders when formulating Federal policy that affects Tribal Nations.\r\n<p><\/p>\r\nThe contributions that Indigenous peoples have made throughout history \u2014 in public service, entrepreneurship, scholarship, the arts, and countless other fields \u2014 are integral to our Nation, our culture, and our society.  Indigenous peoples have served, and continue to serve, in the United States Armed Forces with distinction and honor \u2014 at one of the highest rates of any group \u2014 defending our security every day.  And Native Americans have been on the front lines of the <a href=\/covid19\/>COVID-19 pandemic<\/a>, working essential jobs and carrying us through our gravest moments.  Further, in recognition that the pandemic has harmed Indigenous peoples at an alarming and disproportionate rate, Native communities have led the way in connecting people with vaccination, boasting some of the highest rates of any racial or ethnic group. \r\n<p><\/p>\r\nThe Federal Government has a solemn obligation to lift up and invest in the future of Indigenous people and empower Tribal Nations to govern their own communities and make their own decisions.  We must never forget the centuries-long campaign of violence, displacement, assimilation, and terror wrought upon Native communities and Tribal Nations throughout our country.  Today, we acknowledge the significant sacrifices made by Native peoples to this country \u2014 and recognize their many ongoing contributions to our Nation. \r\n<p><\/p>\r\nOn Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Day, we honor America\u2019s first inhabitants and the Tribal Nations that continue to thrive today.  I encourage everyone to celebrate and recognize the many Indigenous communities and cultures that make up our great country. \r\n<p><\/p>\r\nNOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 11, 2021, as Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Day.  I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.  I also direct that the flag of the United States be displayed on all public buildings on the appointed day in honor of our diverse history and the Indigenous peoples who contribute to shaping this Nation.  \r\n<p><\/p>\r\nIN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth.\r\n<p><\/p>\r\nJOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.\r\n<p><\/p>\r\n<div class=\"h5-responsive sub\">A Proclamation on Columbus Day, 2021<\/div>\r\nMore than 500 years ago, after securing the support of Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand II, Christopher Columbus launched the Ni\u00f1a, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria from the coast of Spain in 1492.  While he intended to end his quest in Asia, his 10-week journey instead landed him on the shores of the Bahamas, making Columbus the first of many Italian explorers to arrive in what would later become known as the Americas. \r\n<p><\/p>\r\nMany Italians would follow his path in the centuries to come, risking poverty, starvation, and death in pursuit of a better life.  Today, millions of Italian Americans continue to enrich our country&#8217;s traditions and culture and make lasting contributions to our Nation &#8212; they are educators, health care workers, scientists, first responders, military service members, and public servants, among so many other vital roles.\r\n<p><\/p>\r\nToday, we also acknowledge the painful history of wrongs and atrocities that many European explorers inflicted on Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities.  It is a measure of our greatness as a Nation that we do not seek to bury these shameful episodes of our past &#8212; that we face them honestly, we bring them to the light, and we do all we can to address them.  For Native Americans, western exploration ushered in a wave of devastation:  violence perpetrated against Native communities, displacement and theft of Tribal homelands, the introduction and spread of disease, and more.  On this day, we recognize this painful past and recommit ourselves to investing in Native communities, upholding our solemn and sacred commitments to Tribal sovereignty, and pursuing a brighter future centered on dignity, respect, justice, and opportunity for all people.\r\n<p><\/p>\r\nIn commemoration of Christopher Columbus&#8217;s historic voyage 529 years ago, the Congress, by joint resolution of April 30, 1934, and modified in 1968 (36 U.S.C. 107), as amended, has requested the President proclaim the second Monday of October of each year as &#8220;Columbus Day.&#8221;  Today, let this day be one of reflection &#8212; on America&#8217;s spirit of exploration, on the courage and contributions of Italian Americans throughout the generations, on the dignity and resilience of Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities, and on the work that remains ahead of us to fulfill the promise of our Nation for all. \r\n<p><\/p>\r\nNOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 11, 2021, as Columbus Day.  I direct that the flag of the United States be displayed on all public buildings on the appointed day in honor of our diverse history and all who have contributed to shaping this Nation.\r\n<p><\/p>\r\nIN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this\r\neighth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth.\r\n <p><\/p>\r\n                             JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"President Joe Biden is making history with the first-ever White House proclamation on Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Day.","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16673,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_vp_format_video_url":"","_vp_image_focal_point":[],"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[20,1,14],"tags":[2044,157,5,176,603,53,175,220,154],"class_list":["post-16668","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-indian-trust","category-national","category-politics","tag-columbus-day","tag-consultation","tag-coronavirus","tag-genocide","tag-indigenous-peoples-day","tag-joe-biden","tag-languages","tag-sovereignty","tag-treaties","no-wpautop"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/08\/joebiden-scaled.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pcoJ7g-4kQ","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16668","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16668"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16668\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16673"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16668"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16668"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16668"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}