WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Tom Udall, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Martin Heinrich announced that they have cosponsored a resolution to establish the month of November as National Native American Heritage Month. The resolution recognizes and celebrates the many contributions Native Americans make to our nation's identity through their rich heritages, cultures, languages, and the arts.
“Every chapter of American history is touched by the contributions of tribes and Native American leaders - from Po’Pay and the Pueblo Revolt to Red Cloud and the Fort Laramie Treaty to the World War II Code Talkers and beyond. And in New Mexico, our state’s unique cultural heritage is rooted in the vibrant art, music, language, economies, and traditions of New Mexico’s 23 Tribes and Pueblos," Udall said. "Tribes have truly shaped the American experience. Native American Heritage Month honors these immeasurable and defining contributions. As we celebrate this month, we must recommit ourselves to improving Tribal consultation, strengthening our government-to-government relationship, and expanding opportunity in Indian Country."
“Our Tribal communities have always enhanced New Mexico’s rich culture and traditions,” said Heinrich. “This month, we celebrate and honor the unique cultural heritage and remarkable contributions of our Native American communities. I take pride in working with our Tribal communities, and will continue to defend and protect Tribal sovereignty, and advocate on their behalf on issues such as education, water access, housing, infrastructure, public safety, and cultural preservation.”
Read the full resolution here .
