President marks first Indigenous Peoples Day

policies systematically sought to assimilate and displace Native people and WASHINGTON — President eradicate Native cultures,” Joe Biden on Friday he added. “Today, we recognize became the first president Indigenous Peoples’ resilience to commemorate Indigenous and strength as Peoples Day, hailing well as the immeasurable Native Americans’ positive impact that they strength and resilience, have made on every aspect while also marking Columbus of American society.” Day with a proclamation In his Columbus Day noting the explorer’s proclamation, the president accomplishments while praised the contributions also acknowledging the impact of Italian Americans of his pilgrimages on to the United States, marking Native Americans. the anniversary of Columbus’

The White House issued arrival in what two separate statements would eventually be called for Monday’s events. Mr. the Americas. Biden’s recognition of Indigenous “More than 500 years Peoples Day is a ago, after securing the support reversal from his predecessor: of Queen Isabella I and former President Donald King Ferdinand II, Christopher Trump railed against Columbus launched “radical activists” trying to the Niña, the Pinta, and the sully the legacy of Christopher Santa Maria from the coast Columbus. of Spain in 1492,” the president

“Since time immemorial, said. “Today, millions American Indians, of Italian Americans continue Alaska Natives, and Native to enrich our country’s Hawaiians have built vibrant traditions and culture and diverse cultures and make lasting contributions — safeguarding land, language, to our nation — they spirit, knowledge, are educators, health care and tradition across the workers, scientists, first responders, generations,” Mr. Biden military service wrote in the Indigenous members, and public servants, Peoples Day proclamation. among so many

“For generations, federal other vital roles.”