U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) is leading an effort in Congress to recognize the contributions Native Americans have made to the nation by introducing a resolution to designate November as National Native American Heritage Month.
“As Americans, it is important to remember the role tribes and their leaders have played in our collective history,” said Rep. Cole, co-chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus. “Though November is the designated month to celebrate and reflect on the rich history of Native Americans, I consider the importance of my own Chickasaw tribal heritage every day with great pride.”
Rep. Cole introduced the House resolution, H.Res. 682, on Nov. 8 with lead sponsor U.S. Rep. Debra Haaland, (D-NM), who also serves as co-chair of the caucus.
The resolution seeks to raise awareness about Native American history in the United States and the challenges those communities continue to face as a result of forced assimilation and genocide, a statement from Rep. Cole’s office said.
In addition, the resolution honors Native American veterans and service members in the United States who have served with honor and distinction in the Armed Forces and continue to serve in the Armed Forces in greater numbers per capita than any other group in the United States, the text of the resolution states.
The resolution also reinforces that the United States is committed to strengthening the government-to-government relationship that the nation has maintained with each of the 573 federally recognized Native Nations.
Supporting Native American issues should be a bipartisan effort, he said.
“I am proud that two such bipartisan bodies exist in the House, including a truly bipartisan tribal delegation of four along with members on both sides of the aisle belonging to the Congressional Native American Caucus,” Rep. Cole said. “I am encouraged that together we can further promote policies that affirm and protect the rights of tribes and preserve the promises made by the federal government.”