DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and DNC Native American Caucus Chair Clara Pratte released the following statement on Native American Heritage Month:

“During Native American Heritage Month, we are proud to honor the rich and beautiful culture, customs, and traditions passed down through generations of Native families. As we take this month to celebrate, we must also remember the strength and resilience that Indigenous communities have exhibited throughout history, and continue to dedicate ourselves to bringing light to their stories and upholding Tribal sovereignty and self-determination. 

“In October, President Biden formally apologized on behalf of the U.S. government for forcibly sending Indigenous children to federally backed boarding schools from 1819 until the 1970s and separating them from their families. Working with Vice President Harris, the administration is committed to righting the wrongs of the past and forging strong relationships with Tribal communities. The Biden-Harris administration has invested heavily in Native language preservation and reinstated and convened three White House Tribal Nations Summits to discuss ways the federal government can strengthen nation-to-nation relationships. Under their leadership, the administration secured — for the first time in history — advance appropriations for the Indian Health Service. 

“2024 marked 100 years since the Indian Citizenship Act, and Democrats took active steps to honor and recognize the important anniversary. The DNC released and distributed civic engagement and voter protection guides in seven different Native languages, ensuring Native Americans have the resources and tools they need to participate in our democracy. While Democrats have secured historic funding and investments for Tribal nations, there is still more work to do. We must send Vice President Harris and Governor Walz to the White House so we can build on our progress for Native Americans living across the country.”