New York State Governor, Kathy Hochul has ordered a review of art in the Capitol that frequently portrays themes romanticising or justifying violence towards Indigenous communities.
Gov. Hochul announced a new initiative on January 9, included in her annual report of the “state of the state” to the legislature, “All New Yorkers should feel welcome and respected when visiting the State Capitol,”.
“Unfortunately, offensive imagery and distasteful representations of populations in the art that adorns the Capitol can alienate visitors. Indigenous peoples, in particular, are often depicted in artworks in a manner that reflects harmful racial stereotypes and glorifies violence against Indigenous peoples.”
Her effort to eliminate unfavourable portrayals of Native Americans in artwork coincides with the ongoing movement to take down statues of explorer Christopher Columbus from public spaces or governmental structures due to his mistreatment of indigenous populations.
Native American activists in New York have raised concerns about the murals located in the governor’s reception room, also referred to as the “War Room,” situated on the second floor. These murals depict early conflicts in New York, the Five Nations of the Iroquois, and feature former President and Governor Theodore Roosevelt.
Among the series of frames within the murals, there are depictions of indigenous Americans engaged in battle with Samuel de Champlain and the French during the 1600s. Notably, one frame portrays a Native American standing over a fallen comrade, while another frame shows a colonizer fighting a tribesman, accompanied by the statement “Champlain Killing First Indian.”
Hochul has invited representatives from each of New York’s nine federal and state-recognized tribes to join an advisory board to do a comprehensive review of the artwork in the state capital and collectively propose recommendations, which may include contextualising existing artwork or incorporating Indigenous art into the space. A spokesperson from the governor’s office stated that the final decision will rest with the governor.
Leading this initiative is Elizabeth Rule, a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma and the Deputy Secretary for First Nations, a role established by Governor Hochul in June to enhance relationships with tribal nations in New York.
Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong Senior praised the art review in the state capital building, deeming it “appropriate and overdue.” Furthermore, the governor has received positive feedback and praise for her latest initiative.
In addition to addressing offensive artwork, Gov. Hochul has made significant strides in advocating for Native American rights and recognition. Last year, she enacted comprehensive protections for ancient Native graves and appointed Elizabeth Rule, a member of the Chickasaw Nation, as Deputy Secretary for First Nations, elevating Native issues within her office. She also made history by becoming the first governor in at least 50 years to visit the Onondaga Nation home territory.
Furthermore, she aims to rectify historical injustices endured by Native children, particularly those who suffered in boarding schools in New York, by advancing strategies to reinforce the objectives of the federal Indian Child Welfare Act.
Although small steps, Gov. Hochul and New York State’s efforts bring Native Americans a step closer to justice. However, the USA still has a long way ahead to correct the wrongs of colonisation.