Comanche Nation Code Talkers who served in World War II. Photo from Comanche Nation
The Senate last Thursday passed a bipartisan resolution in honor of Native American Heritage Month. S.Res.307 was approved by unanimous consent. The measure, which was introduced by Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), recognizes the contributions of Native Americans to the United States and highlights their cultures and heritages. “National Native American Heritage Month celebrates and honors the diverse cultures, histories, and traditions of American Indians,” Barrasso, the chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, said in a press release. “Let’s use this time as an opportunity to reflect on the many contributions Native Americans have made to our nation, and the sovereign government-to-government relationship the United States maintains with tribes.” The resolution had 35 co-sponsors, representing lawmakers from both parties. Several are colleagues on Barrasso's committee. "As a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, I take great pride in working with, representing and defending the sovereignty of Native American communities, and I'm pleased to recognize Native American Heritage Month as a time to celebrate the integral role of Native Americans in our identity as a nation," Sen. Tom Udall (D-New Mexico) said in a press release. "New Mexico is home to 19 pueblos, two Apache Nations and the Navajo Nation, and our state's unique cultural depth is rooted in their vibrant art, music, language, agriculture, history and traditions." “National Native American Heritage Month honors the importance of tribal self-governance, preserving indigenous languages, the United States’ commitment to strengthening the government-to-government relationship and the importance of Native Americans’ heritage to our country at large,” Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana), another member of the committee, said in a press release. “This resolution also honors Native American veterans like the Crow Tribe Code Talkers, who played an integral role in transmitting and receiving military intelligence during World War II. It is an honor to join Montanans in celebrating National Native American Heritage Month.” The resolution also recognizes November 27 as Native American Heritage Day.
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