Resolutions Submitted Today

Floor Speech

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Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, each November the President declares this month as National Native American Heritage Month and the Senate dedicates a resolution honoring the Nation's first Americans. As chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, it is my privilege to introduce this resolution. I am pleased to be joined by so many of my colleagues, including Senators BALDWIN, BARRASSO, BEGICH, COCHRAN, CRAPO, FRANKEN, GILLIBRAND, HEINRICH, HEITKAMP, HIRONO, HOEVEN, JOHNSON of South Dakota, KLOBUCHAR, MARKEY, MERKLEY, MORAN, REID, SCHATZ, TESTER, THUNE, UDALL of Colorado, UDALL of New Mexico, WARNER, and WYDEN, in submitting this resolution.

Since time immemorial, American Indians have occupied the lands we now know as the United States. To date, the Federal Government recognizes 566 distinct tribal nations across the country. While these Indian tribes share many attributes, each tribe is unique. The contributions American Indians have made to the foundation of the United States are significant and continue today. From influencing the documents that founded our Nation to serving in World War II as code talkers, American Indians have helped shape the face of our Nation. It is fitting that we are honoring the Code Talkers this week with a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony, as Native Americans have served in the military at a higher rate per capita than any other group in the country.

Native American heroes played a significant role in World War II. Among them was Charles Chibitty of the Comanche Nation, who aided the successful landing at Normandy and the capture of an enemy flag in a French village, for which he was recognized by the French Government. The Code Talkers came from many tribes, including the Navajo, who played a crucial role in the Pacific. The Choctaw, Sioux, Assiniboine, Apache, Hopi, Mohawk and many other tribes gave this Nation their dedication, determination, and courage. They will never be forgotten.

I am honored to represent the 29 tribes in my home State of Washington. Tribal culture is woven into the fabric of our State as a critical part of not only the State's history but also its modern-day economy and governance. In 2012, Washington State tribes purchased more than $2.4 billion in goods, paid $1.3 billion in wages, and spent $259 million on construction activities. The tribes and the State are partners in virtually every aspect of governance, from natural resource management to tax collection.

Many of the tribes in my State entered into agreements with the U.S. Government over the last two and a half centuries for cessions of land and natural resources. In exchange for these lands, the United States promised essential services to American Indians. As the trustee for Indian nations across the United States, the Federal Government has much work to do. I am encouraged by events like the Tribal Nations Conference, which has been convened annually since the election of President Obama. While this is a step in the right direction, we must do more to ensure that our Indian communities are thriving.

As we celebrate National Native American Heritage Month, I encourage my colleagues to take some time and think about the Federal Government's responsibilities to our first people. I ask my colleagues to support this resolution designating November 2013 as National Native American Heritage Month and November 29 of this year as Native American Heritage Day, and I encourage all Americans to recognize the important contributions American Indians have made to this great Nation.

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