Congressional Native American Caucus features Pueblo symbol in new logo

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Congressional Native American Caucus Unveils New Logo Featuring Zia Symbol

Zia Pueblo Praises Caucus Recognition of Origin, Significance of Zia Symbol

Source: Rep. Deb Haaland (D-New Mexico)

haaland.house.gov

Washington, D.C. – Today (October 23, 2020), the Congressional Native American Caucus unveiled their new logo. The logo is part of Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-01) and Congressman Tom Cole’s (Okla.-04) efforts to make Native Americans more visible on Capitol Hill.

“The Congressional Native American Caucus proudly advocates for Native American communities across the country, and this logo will proudly showcase the work the caucus does to ensure that the federal government lives up to its trust responsibility to Tribes. I’m incredibly grateful to have Zia Pueblo’s blessing to use Zia symbol to exemplify our culture and traditions. I look forward to continuing the work of our caucus and to address issues facing Natives in our country,” said Co-Chair Deb Haaland, a member of the Pueblo of Laguna.

“I am proud to join in unveiling an official logo for the Congressional Native American Caucus featuring the sacred Zia Sun symbol,” said Co-Chair Tom Cole (OK-04), a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma. “As a collective and bipartisan group of members, our caucus advocates for the non-partisan interests of tribes nationwide. As we continue to work together on these important issues, I am delighted that we now have a logo that reflects the special culture and heritage that comes with being Native American.”

Photo of Rep. Deb Haaland by House Committee on Natural Resources, Democrats. Photo of Rep. Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma) by National Congress of American Indians

The logo incorporates the Zia Sun Symbol, one of the Pueblo of Zia’s most sacred religious symbols. The Zia Sun Symbol, a circle with sets of lines radiating from it in the four cardinal directions, is connected to the rituals of the Zia Pueblo life cycle. For the Zia, the symbol represents the four seasons, the four phases of a day and the four stages of life. The Zia Sun Symbol is vital to the religion, traditions and culture of the Pueblo. The power and reverence of the Sun Symbol is obvious noting its widespread recognition and use, most notably on the New Mexico State flag.

“Today, many individuals and organizations have recognized the need to get permission to use the Sun Symbol by making a formal request to the Pueblo. Such is the case with the Congressional Native American Caucus. The Pueblo looks forward to working with the Congressional Native American Caucus in expanding the awareness of the origin and the importance of the Sun Symbol to the Zia people. I would like to thank Representatives Deb Haaland and Tom Cole for taking the lead on this very important matter and I am grateful to their efforts and concerns,” said Zia Governor Frederick Medina.

The Congressional Native American Caucus seeks to educate members of Congress and encourage an open dialogue about issues affecting Native Americans. As part of this mission, the caucus regularly convenes briefings, considers the impact of legislation on tribal nations and provides a forum for members of Congress to exchange information, ideas and research.