Reps. Torres, Cole, Davids, and Sen. Heinrich Lead Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Reps. Torres, Cole, Davids, and Sen. Heinrich Lead Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representatives Norma Torres (CA-35), Tom Cole (OK-04), and Sharice Davids (KS-03), along with Senator Martin Heinrich (NM), introduced a bipartisan and bicameral resolution to recognize the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples' Day, celebrating the rich histories, unique cultures, and lasting contributions of Indigenous Peoples across the United States. Indigenous Peoples' Day is currently celebrated on the second Monday of October in over 200 municipalities and 17 states.

"Indigenous communities have always shaped every part of our daily lives, long before our nation's founding and to the present day," said Congresswoman Norma Torres. "This bipartisan Indigenous Peoples' Day resolution is a celebration and commemoration of the strength, rich cultures, and incredible achievements of Indigenous Peoples and a reminder of our shared responsibility to honor Tribal sovereignty and self-determination."

"Today, as we recognize the founding of the Americas, we must also celebrate the rich culture, traditions, and contributions of Native American communities throughout our history," said Congressman Cole. "It is important for all of us as Members of Congress to always honor tribal sovereignty and our federal trust and treaty responsibilities."

"I'm honored to join my colleagues from both sides of the aisle in calling for a national celebration of Indigenous Peoples' Day. This is a time to listen to Native voices, learn from our long histories and vibrant cultures, and recognize both the hardships and resilience of our peoples. It's also a day to celebrate our cultural contributions and ongoing fight to protect and strengthen tribal sovereignty. As one of the first Native American women elected to Congress, I'm proud to see this celebration growing across our communities and within the halls of Congress," said Representative Sharice Davids.

"For thousands of years, Native Americans have lived on and cared for their ancestral lands - lands that we now call the United States. Their histories and legacy deserve enormous respect," said Senator Heinrich. "That is why I am proud to lead this resolution in the Senate to mark the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples' Day. It is one small but powerful way we can honor and celebrate Native American cultural traditions and histories that have shaped and continue to shape the United States."

"Cherokee Nation strongly supports this resolution and commends Reps. Norma Torres, Tom Cole, Sharice Davids, and Sen. Martin Heinrich for their continued leadership on this issue. It is past time for the United States to designate the second Monday of October as 'Indigenous Peoples' Day' as a recognition of the integral role Native people play in the history, economy, and future of our country. This will be an important day of observance, one where people across the United States can celebrate and honor the significant contributions of Native tribes as well as the beautiful culture of our Native people," said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr.

"Recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day is about telling the truth of our shared history and honoring the enduring strength of Native nations," said Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. "For too long, Indigenous voices were left out of America's story-this resolution helps restore that balance by affirming that our peoples, cultures, and contributions remain vital to this country's past, present, and future."

"This resolution is not just about a single day - it's about truth, recognition, and respect for who we are as Native people," said Larry Wright, Jr., National Congress of American Indians Executive Director. "For far too long, our histories and contributions have been ignored or erased. Indigenous Peoples' Day provides an opportunity to reclaim our rightful place in the story of this nation - not just in the past, but in the present and future."

The resolution is supported by the Alaska Federation of Natives, Association on American Indian Affairs, Barona Band of Mission Indians, Cherokee Nation, National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), National Council of Urban Indian Health, Navajo Nation, and Pueblo of Acoma.

Full Resolution Text

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