DNC Statement on Indigenous Peoples’ Day

To honor the contributions and heritage of America’s Indigenous people, DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and DNC Native American Caucus Chair Rion Ramirez released the following statement:

“On this Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we celebrate the contributions and resilience of America’s Native communities, and the work they have done today and every day to bring this country closer to our ideals. Democrats are committed to carrying forward the important work necessary to ensure dignity, sovereignty, and opportunity for our nation’s 574 Federally Recognized Tribes.

“The Biden-Harris administration has honored this commitment to uplift and support America’s Native communities from its very first week, when President Biden issued a memo prioritizing federal agencies’ consultation with Tribal Nations. The president also appointed Deb Haaland the first Native Cabinet secretary, and the American Rescue Plan includes the largest-ever investment of resources in Tribal communities in U.S. history. The administration is working to address the issues that matter to Tribal communities, from the new Federal Boarding School Initiative to uncover the truth and help heal affected communities, to restoring federal protections to land and waters such as Bears Ears National Monument, which is sacred to Tribal Nations.

“We will never forget the sacrifices, brutality, assimilation, and dislocation inflicted upon Native communities. Today, we honor the 574 Tribal Nations and the significant contributions they have made to our country, and commit ourselves toward building a future marked by justice, promise, and equal opportunity for all.”

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