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President Joe Biden’s visit to Arizona took a humorous turn Friday when he stumbled over the name of the Gila River Indian Community, leading him to quip, “Nothing’s wrong with me.” During his introduction to the throng, the 81-year-old President stopped and tried again the name of the Native American hamlet near Phoenix. As he runs for reelection, Biden is coming under fire for his public gaffes. He later issued an official apology to the community for the federal government's historical abuse of Indigenous people.
NEW: Biden tells everyone that "nothing is wrong with me" after he apparently forgot how to talk during a speech in Phoenix, Arizona.VP Kamala Harris recently asserted during an interview that she has never noticed anything wrong with Joe Biden.Question: Can you say that you… pic.twitter.com/d9fsNJ4od8
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 25, 2024
Historic Apology for Boarding Schools
Biden publicly apologized during his speech for a federal program that separated Native American children from their families by forcing them into boarding schools. In an effort to integrate Indigenous children, the program operated for more than 150 years until the 1970s, but it caused generational trauma in Native communities. Biden's remarks were the first time a sitting president has formally apologized to Native Americans for this matter. The president became the first sitting American leader to meet with the Gila River Indian Community when he visited them.
The first Native American cabinet member, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, discussed the effects of the boarding school program and disclosed that her own family was impacted. The apology, according to Haaland, demonstrated the administration's dedication to recognizing and conserving Native history. Haaland called Biden's apology “historic,” saying it was long overdue for Indigenous families.
Biden Acknowledges Legacy of Pain
The anguish that Native American children and families endured was highlighted by the president as he described the effects of the boarding school program. He said in his address how he learned about honoring Native customs early in his career from his longtime friend, the late Hawaiian Senator Daniel Inouye. Biden reiterated the importance of Indigenous sovereignty, telling the crowd, “This is one of the most consequential things I’ve ever had the opportunity to do.”
Protest Interrupts Apology Speech
When a pro-Palestine demonstrator raised concerns, protesting against U.S. foreign policy and denouncing the killings of innocent people in Gaza, Biden's address was briefly interrupted. After giving her a brief opportunity to speak, the president went on to say, "There are a lot of innocent people being killed." It must end.
Push for Acknowledgment of America’s Past
The president's apology coincides with larger discussions over how American history, particularly its darkest periods, should be taught in schools. In her response, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre defended Biden's position on the value of truthful historical instruction. While conservatives have attacked the explicit teaching of "critical race theory," arguing that it overemphasizes historical injustices, Jean-Pierre pointed to the apology as proof of the administration's attempts to promote a comprehensive historical narrative.
Commitment to Native American Communities
During her husband's presidency, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden has made many trips to Native American villages. Biden praised his wife's commitment to Native causes and told him to "make sure you come home" after his trip to Arizona. In his statement, Biden underlined the federal government's commitment to Indigenous people, pointing out that the administration has pledged to address the nation's history and make sure Native communities feel appreciated and respected.