The Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution last week co-sponsored by Senator Lisa Murkowski recognizing November as National Native American Heritage Month – and last Friday, Nov. 18 as Native American Heritage Day.
Sen. Murkowski said the date honoring Native Americans is important to Alaskans and many other tribes across the country.
“Forty percent of all the federally recognized tribes in the United States call Alaska home,” said Murkowski. “So I am proud to call attention to our Alaska’s First People – and American Indians and Native Hawaiians, as well – and celebrate their rich contribution to our society.”
There are 565 federally recognized tribes in the United States, 229 of which reside in Alaska, and census data indicates nearly 5 million people in the United States claim Native American heritage.
According to Jessica Whitaker, an officer in the Wrangell Cooperative Association, the resolution recognizes and celebrates the vibrant cultures of all Natives – and the tribes of Southeast Alaska.
“It gives our tribes the opportunity to focus and celebrate during a special day,” Whitaker said. “It will help with the educational system as well by having a specific day to recognize Native culture.”
Started in 1990, President George H.W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 as “National American Indian Heritage Month.”
Senator Murkowski co-sponsored the legislation with other members of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.
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