Governor Hochul Plans to Assess Capitol Artwork's Racist Representations of Native People

By Isaac White.

In a significant move towards addressing historical misrepresentations of Indigenous people, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a comprehensive review of artistic depictions of Indigenous peoples in the state Capitol. This initiative, part of her policy proposals in the 2024 State of the State message, aims to reassess and potentially modify the portrayal of Native Americans in public art.

The move follows instances where offensive representations of Indigenous peoples have been called into question. In 2017, the village of Whitesboro, New York, garnered national attention for changing its controversial seal, which depicted a white man strangling an Indigenous man. Similarly, Minnesota redesigned its state flag in 2023 to address concerns about its portrayal of Native Americans.

One prominent example of such artwork is in the United States Capitol, where Native Americans have been depicted in various states of conflict, including a sculpture from 1939 that was so offensive lawmakers wanted it destroyed. Despite this, it remained on display until 1958.

New York’s statehouse itself contains several artworks under scrutiny. The “Million Dollar Staircase” features the face of Christopher Columbus, a figure controversial for his brutal treatment of Indigenous people. Additionally, a statue of U.S. Army General Philip Sheridan, known for his harsh policies against Native tribes, stands on the east side of the Capitol.

Highlighting the importance of this initiative, Governor Hochul’s staff stated in the State of the State briefing book, “All New Yorkers should feel welcome and respected when visiting the Capitol, but unfortunately, offensive imagery and distasteful representations of populations in the art which adorns the Capitol can alienate visitors. Assessments of offensive artistic representations of Indigenous peoples are informed by precedent more than eighty years old, and Indigenous peoples, in particular, are often depicted in artworks in a manner that reflects harmful racial stereotypes and glorifies violence against Indigenous peoples. Such depictions do not reflect the values of New York State.”

The policy review includes examining artworks in the Capitol’s War Room, like the depiction of Samuel de Champlain in combat with a Native American. The brief also touches upon Governor Hochul’s complex relationship with Native groups, including clashes over gambling revenue and vetoes of pro-Native bills, alongside positive steps like signing protections for Native graves and appointing Elizabeth Rule of the Chickasaw Nation as deputy secretary for First Nations.

Governor Hochul’s initiative includes plans to invite representatives from New York’s nine recognized tribes for input, though the final decisions will rest with the governor. Remedies may involve adding contextual materials to existing artworks or introducing Indigenous art inside the Capitol.

This action is part of a broader movement to reconsider the portrayal of Indigenous peoples in public spaces. For instance, New York education officials in 2022 mandated the removal of Native American mascots from schools. Additionally, there’s an ongoing campaign to remove statues of Christopher Columbus due to his brutal and horrific treatment of Indigenous people.

Governor Hochul emphasized the need for this review, stating, “Assessments of offensive artistic representations of Indigenous peoples are informed by precedent more than eighty years old. To ensure that all New Yorkers are welcomed in the Capitol, this year Governor Hochul will commence a comprehensive review of artistic representation of Indigenous peoples in the Capitol, with invited participation from representatives from each of the nine Indigenous Nations.”

This policy initiative also promises to improve access to dental care for Indigenous people and address historical injustices against Native children, including the impact of boarding schools in New York. These efforts align with strengthening the objectives of the federal Indian Child Welfare Act.

Governor Hochul’s initiative to reexamine the representation of Indigenous peoples in New York’s state Capitol is an essential, albeit overdue, step toward rectifying the long-standing misrepresentation of Native communities. This necessary action, rooted in acknowledging and correcting historical inaccuracies, should not be seen as a commendable achievement but rather as fulfilling a fundamental obligation to truth and respect for all, particularly those historically marginalized.