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

“This Native American Heritage Month, we recognize the numerous contributions Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives have made to our country, reflect upon our nation’s history, and recommit ourselves to uplifting and supporting the Native American community. 

“President Biden and Vice President Harris are focused on delivering for Indigenous communities, making the largest single federal financial investment in Native communities in the history of the United States through the American Rescue Plan, with $32 billion directed specifically to Tribal communities and Native people. Their administration has also taken action on Tribal concerns, including strengthening climate resilience in tribal communities and supporting sustainability made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, and addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women.

“Native American Heritage Month is also a time for celebrating the progress we’ve made and uplifting the hard work of those in the community. We recognize Native Americans who have dedicated their lives to public service, like our nation’s first Native American Cabinet Secretary Deb Haaland, first Native American U.S. Treasurer of the United States Marilynn Malerba, and U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, the first Alaska Native to serve in Congress.

“Democrats stand with the 574 Tribal Nations and will continue to uphold Tribal sovereignty and self-determination, and fight for a more just and equal country.”