In celebration of the lives and contributions of our nation’s Indigenous people, DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and DNC Native Caucus Chair Clara Pratte released the following statement: 

Today, we honor Indigenous Peoples of the 574 federally recognized tribes living on tribal lands, thriving in urban areas, and serving our military worldwide. President Biden and the Democratic Party are unwavering in our support of tribal sovereignty and today we celebrate the first peoples of this land’s countless contributions to our country. 

Since taking office, President Biden and Vice President Harris have committed themselves to uplifting Native American communities across our country by making historic Tribal investments that help support Native language preservation, health care, broadband access, and more. We live in a time when we have our nation’s first Native American Cabinet Secretary in Deb Haaland and first Native American U.S. Treasurer of the United States in Marilynn Malerba. The Biden-Harris administration is taking action to address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, strengthen climate resilience, and support sustainability. Tribal voices and concerns are a priority.

We will never forget the brutalities endured and injustices inflicted upon Native communities. And while we can never erase the past atrocities that Native Americans have suffered, we will continue to stand and honor the dignity and sovereignty of the Indigenous community, and recommit ourselves to ensuring all people are treated equally with respect and compassion.