Congresswoman Norma J. Torres Releases Statement on Indigenous Peoples' Day

Statement

Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today released the following statement recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day:

"For too long, our country has failed to acknowledge its true history and origins. On this day, we should work to admit and correct that failure by celebrating our tribal nations and Indigenous Peoples, their roots, traditions, and cultural contributions to our country," said Rep. Torres. "It's our responsibility to make our country a safe and fair place for our Indigenous communities, who inhabited this land before us. I hope today serves as an opportunity for all of us to consider how we can work toward that end."

Congresswoman Torres has introduced and cosponsored several pieces of legislation to support our Native and Indigenous communities, including:

HR 5473, the Indigenous Peoples' Day Act, to federally recognize and establish Indigenous Peoples' Day,
H.Con.Res.53, to establish September 30th as a day of remembrance for Native American children who died attending boarding school, and to honor the survivors, their families, and communities,
HR 1937 (116th Congress), the Indian Community Economic Enhancement Act, economic development for Native American communities,
HR 2733 (116th Congress), Savanna's Act, to direct the Department of Justice to review, revise, and develop law enforcement and justice protocols to address missing or murdered Native Americans.

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