The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution on Mar. 20 recognizing the leadership, resilience, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women. The resolution was introduced by Senator Lisa Murkowski, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Senator Brian Schatz, Vice Chairman.
The resolution was passed during Women’s History Month to honor Native women who have made significant impacts in public service, education, culture, business, science, and the arts. The measure aims to highlight the important roles that Native women play in their communities across the country.
“Native women have always been leaders, guiding their families and strengthening communities across Alaska and throughout Indian Country. They are the bearers of language, culture, and tradition and remain the foundation of those communities,” said Chairman Lisa Murkowski. “Through this resolution, we honor all Native women, including many from my home state of Alaska, such as Laura Beltz Wright, Mary Jane Fate, Katie John, and Elizabeth Peratrovich, who left lasting legacies through military service, civil rights advocacy, businesses, and the protection of Indigenous lands and traditions. During Women’s History Month, I thank my Senate colleagues for supporting our resolution, recognizing Native women and their continued impact across America.”
Vice Chairman Brian Schatz said: “Native women have made incredible contributions to our communities and country, and this month we celebrate and recognize their impacts on American history. The Native Hawaiian women we commemorate in this resolution are among many more who deserve our recognition and gratitude year-round.”
A number of senators co-sponsored the resolution alongside Murkowski and Schatz. The full text is available online.
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs supports self-determination for Native American communities through policy development and oversight according to the official website. The committee oversees legislation related to education, health care and economic development for tribes according to its official website. It also addresses issues affecting Alaska Natives as well as other U.S. insular regions as per its official website. The committee influences federal policy on tribal sovereignty and self-governance as detailed on its official site, operating as a standing committee dedicated to these affairs according to its official website. It became a permanent standing committee in 1984 after originally forming as a select committee in 1816 as noted on its official website.
The passage of this resolution reflects ongoing efforts by Congress to acknowledge the historical significance of Native women's leadership within both local communities and national history.
