President Obama, Tribal Communities and Columbus Day Proclamation

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Challenges. Discussion »

WASHINGTON – The White House released President Barack Obama's Columbus Day 2012 Proclamation on Friday evening.

While many American Indians choose not to celebrate a day named for Christopher Columbus and will not view a Proclamation from President Obama favorably, he did however mention the "burdens tribal communities bore in the years that followed." Here is text of the President's mention of American Indians:

President Barack Obama

"When the explorers laid anchor in the Bahamas, they met indigenous peoples who had inhabited the Western hemisphere for millennia. As we reflect on the tragic burdens tribal communities bore in the years that followed, let us commemorate the many contributions they have made to the American experience, and let us continue to strengthen the ties that bind us today."

In recognition of the federal holiday, many offices will be closed. As a precaution, it may be helpful to call before attempting to visit a business or governmental office on Monday.

The Native News Network will publish as normal that day.

posted October 6, 2012 8:40 am edt