Senators Murray, Cantwell Introduce Resolution Honoring Native Women

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member and former chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Indian affairs, and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced a resolution with 19 of their Senate colleagues recognizing the heritage, culture, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women in the United States. The resolution also recognizes the importance of promoting equity, providing safety, and upholding the interests of strong, diverse women in the United States.

“American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women contribute to their communities, Tribes, and the United States through work in many industries, including business, education, science, medicine, literature, fine arts, military service, and public service,” the resolution reads. “[The Senate] celebrates and honors the successes of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women and the contributions they have made and continue to make in the United States; and… recognizes the importance of supporting equity, providing safety, and upholding the interests of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women.”

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) released the following statement in support of this resolution:

“The National Congress of American Indians is proud to support this resolution honoring Native women, who have always played an integral role in sustaining tribal cultures and community life. From Sarah Winnemucca to Helen Peterson to Wilma Mankiller, Native women have led tribal nations’ efforts to exercise their inherent sovereignty and create brighter futures for their peoples. We thank the United States Senate for acknowledging and honoring Native women and the immeasurable contributions they have made and continue to make.”

In addition to Senators Cantwell and Murray, the resolution was co-sponsored by U.S. Senators John Hoeven (R-ND), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jon Tester (D-MT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Steve Daines (R-MT), James Lankford (R-OK), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

The full text of the resolution can be found  HERE.