Gov. Kathy Hochul thrust herself into a cultural clash on Tuesday, saying she was considering removing Native American artwork from the state Capitol building that was deemed offensive to tribal people.
Hochul’s push to remove negative depictions of Native Americans in artwork comes amid an ongoing campaign to remove statues of explorer Christopher Columbus from public squares or government buildings because of his treatment of indigenous people.
New York education officials in 2022 ordered school districts to remove Native American mascots deemed racist.
There is a large statue of Columbus — a revered figure among many Italian Americans — carved into the “Million Dollar Staircase” in the Capitol Building.
A painting depicting the killing of Native Americans in the state Capitol building. Angus Mordant
“All New Yorkers should feel welcome and respected when visiting the State Capitol. Unfortunately, offensive imagery and distasteful depictions of residents in the art that adorns the Capitol can alienate visitors,” Hochul said in his 180-page State of the Union 2024 policy book.
“Indigenous people, in particular, are often depicted in artwork in a way that reflects dangerous racial stereotypes and glorifies violence against Indigenous people. Such depictions do not reflect the values of New York State,” the governor said.
Albany insiders say New York Native American activists have complained about a mural in the governor’s reception room — also known as the “War Room” — that adorns the second-floor ceiling.
Albany insiders say New York Native American activists have complained about the mural in the governor’s reception room. Angus Mordant
The mural depicts the early battles of New York, the Five Nations of the Iroquois, and former President and Governor Theodore Roosevelt.
There are a series of frames depicting Native Americans in battle with Samuel de Champlain and the French in the 1600s, including one in which a Native American stands over a slain comrade.
Under another frame of a colonist fighting a tribe is the statement, “Champlain Kills First Indian.”
Hochul said the “offensive artistic representation of Indigenous peoples” was informed by “a precedent of more than eighty years” and it was time for a reassessment.
The push to remove the mural comes amid an ongoing campaign to remove statues of explorer Christopher Columbus from public squares or government buildings. AP
“To ensure that all New Yorkers are welcome at the Capitol, this year Governor Hochul will initiate a comprehensive review of Indigenous artistic representation at the Capitol, with invited participation from representatives from each of the nine Indigenous Nations,” according to State. from the National book.
Tribal activists praised Hochul for addressing negative portrayals of Native Americans.
JC Seneca, a counselor with the Seneca Nation, said he was disgusted after seeing the panel boast that Champlain killed members of the first tribe.
“It is arrogant to kill my people. They killed many of our people and stole much of our land,” said Seneca.
Hochul said the “offensive artistic representation of Native people” is informed by “a lead of more than eighty years.” ANGUS MORDANT
“We are still fighting for our sovereignty,” he added.
Seneca also said Columbus shouldn’t have gotten a pass.
“Columbus committed a lot of rape and robbery. They need to think about his presence in the state Capitol,” he said.
“The governor is taking steps in the right direction. Removing this negative image has been part of the discussion for years,” he added.
Hochul’s office said the review focused on depictions of Native Americans.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
