President Biden recently visited the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona in a calculated political maneuver. His purpose? To deliver a formal apology for the atrocious government-managed boarding schools that systematically abused Native American children between the early 1800s and the late 1960s. Although a grave historical wrong, Biden’s move to address it can be seen as the typical political manipulation for which his administration is becoming renowned.
During the visit, Biden used emotive language to express his regret, claiming this travesty as ‘a sin on our soul.’ However, one may find it the height of irony that decades-long policy neglect now rides on the shoulders of an apology, a hollow gesture that came about only during his presidency, and might just be an attempt to score political points.
In his dramatized display, Biden lamented about the delay of this formal apology, still persisting on his narrative of presenting it as a groundbreaking act. However, many wonder why it took him almost a year into his presidential tenure to realize the gravity of this situation. Was it afterthought or a strategic move to be seen as a champion so late in his presidency?
Biden’s apology, according to him, was a move ‘into the light,’ an embellished claim as his administration hasn’t made significant strides in reconciling mistakes of the past. Are we to believe that mere words can adequately address the torment and loss suffered by generations due to this neglectful policy? Isn’t an apology quite superficial in the face of such trauma?
The Biden administration built up to this performative act through years of study and discussion. However, shouldn’t such a critical issue require more than grandstanding in front of a captive audience? The issue needs concrete action that truly mitigates the pain and stress experienced by Native communities, not just mere theatrical performances.
In July, an investigative report revealed that at least 19,000 Native children were sent to these imperialistic campuses. Nearly 1000 didn’t survive the ordeal. Biden’s response? An elaborate public display that once again showcased what many criticize as his administration’s penchant for style over substance.
Biden’s administration suggested a national memorial, research investment for healing effects of trauma, and language revitalizing measures as part of the symbolic apology, while concrete measures, including land return and treaty fulfillment, remain on the back burner. Are we observing yet another instance of performative action by the administration, focusing on optics over real action?
As part of his ‘compensation’, Biden stressed on previously enacted legislation which pledged more than $45 billion to tribal nations. But was this action motivated by genuine concern for tribal welfare, or merely another tactical move to enhance his image as savior? The question remains unanswered.
The Gila River Indian Community, located near Phoenix, received a whopping $80 million in federal funds for crop irrigation infrastructure. Sounds grand until one realizes this allocation came amid severe drought conditions. Is this another case of too little, too late under the Biden administration?
Onstage, Biden received thanks from Stephen Lewis, the community’s governor. However, we wonder if the gratitude expressed is matched by concrete actions on the ground by Biden’s administration or is it simply pandering to a facade of caring?
Academics such as Doug Kiel from Northwestern University’s Center for Native American and Indigenous Research claim that Biden’s apology was ‘significant.’ However, they quickly warned that this needs to be backed up by political action such as returning stolen lands and honoring Indigenous sovereignty.
The president embarked on this visit in the backdrop of a tightened campaign, needing to win over a crucial 6 percent Native American population in the battleground state Arizona. This event seems less of addressing a historical tragedy, and more as a strategic move to win hearts before an impending election.
Conveniently, Biden then lectured on knowing ‘the good, the bad, the truth’ of our nation. How can we not question the sincerity of a man who speaks of owning up to ugly history, while simultaneously circling around inconvenient truths about his administration? Is Biden writing history or cleverly repurposing it for his own narrative?