Trump again makes no mention of indigenous peoples in Columbus Day proclamation

President Trump on Monday commemorated Columbus Day, praising the 15th century explorer for his determination and leaving out any mention of Native Americans in a formal proclamation for a second straight year.

“Columbus’s spirit of determination and adventure has provided inspiration to generations of Americans. On Columbus Day, we honor his remarkable accomplishments as a navigator, and celebrate his voyage into the unknown expanse of the Atlantic Ocean,” Trump said in the proclamation.

“His expedition formed the initial bond between Europe and the Americas, and changed the world forever,” he continued. “Today, in that spirit, we continue to seek new horizons for greater opportunity and further discovery on land, in sea, and in space.”

Christopher Columbus’s spirit of determination & adventure has provided inspiration to generations of Americans. On #ColumbusDay, we honor his remarkable accomplishments as a navigator, & celebrate his voyage into the unknown expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. https://t.co/Mg3dxRfPuN

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2018

{mosads}Trump also highlighted Christopher Columbus’s citizenship, tying it to the modern-day alliance with Italy.

Neither the presidential proclamation nor the president’s tweet sharing the proclamation included any mention of indigenous peoples or Columbus’s more complicated legacy that led to the deaths of scores of Native Americans and the spread of disease.

Trump did not mention either subject in his 2017 proclamation.

In 2016, former President Obama singled out indigenous peoples for their contributions to the U.S. and acknowledged “the pain and suffering reflected in the stories of Native Americans who had long resided on this land prior to the arrival of European newcomers.” 

Indigenous groups and advocates across the country have in recent years pushed for local, state and federal government officials to recognize the holiday as “Indigenous Peoples Day” to recognize the contributions of Native Americans.

Several U.S. states and cities do not recognize Columbus Day as a public holiday. South Dakota has celebrated Native American Day for nearly 30 years.

Columbus, Ohio, announced that the city would not observe Columbus Day this year, breaking with decades worth of practice. The city will instead close its offices on Veterans Day.