Bill Summary
The resolution recognizes National Native American Heritage Month, celebrated annually from November 1 to November 30, as a time to honor the heritage, cultures, and contributions of Native Americans to the United States. It acknowledges the historical significance of Native Americans, who are the descendants of the original inhabitants of the land, and highlights their vibrant cultures, languages, and traditions.
The resolution emphasizes the importance of sharing Native American stories of resilience and strength, as well as the contributions of Native Americans in various fields, including agriculture, medicine, and the arts. It also reaffirms the United States' commitment to improving the lives of Native Americans through support for self-governance and enhanced resources in healthcare and socioeconomic conditions.
Additionally, the resolution recognizes the historical influence of Tribal Nations on the U.S. Constitution and honors the service of Native Americans in the Armed Forces, including their role as code talkers during World War I and World War II. Ultimately, the resolution encourages Americans to observe National Native American Heritage Month and Native American Heritage Day with appropriate programs and activities to celebrate and reflect on the significant contributions of Native Americans to the nation.
Possible Impacts
The legislation recognizing National Native American Heritage Month and celebrating the contributions of Native Americans can have several positive effects on people and communities. Here are three examples:
1. **Cultural Awareness and Education**: This resolution encourages educational institutions, organizations, and individuals to engage in programs that promote the heritage and cultures of Native Americans. As a result, people from various backgrounds may gain a better understanding of Native American history, traditions, and contributions, fostering respect and appreciation for their cultures. This can lead to more inclusive communities and reduce stereotypes and misconceptions.
2. **Empowerment of Native Communities**: By officially recognizing National Native American Heritage Month, the legislation underscores the importance of self-governance and self-determination for Native American tribes. This recognition can empower Native communities, encouraging them to celebrate their identities, traditions, and languages. It may also inspire increased community involvement and initiatives to preserve their cultural heritage and advocate for their rights and needs.
3. **Promotion of Health and Socioeconomic Improvements**: The resolution emphasizes the commitment of the United States to enhance health care, law enforcement resources, and socioeconomic conditions for Native Americans. This focus can lead to increased funding and support for programs that address health disparities, improve housing, and provide economic opportunities. As a result, Native American individuals and communities may experience improved quality of life and access to essential services.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 911 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 911
Recognizing National Native American Heritage Month and celebrating the
heritages and cultures of Native Americans and the contributions of
Native Americans to the United States.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
November 25, 2025
Mrs. Grijalva (for herself, Mr. Cole, Ms. Fedorchak, Ms. Leger
Fernandez, Ms. Stansbury, Mr. Joyce of Ohio, Mr. Begich, and Ms. Davids
of Kansas) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to
the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Recognizing National Native American Heritage Month and celebrating the
heritages and cultures of Native Americans and the contributions of
Native Americans to the United States.
Whereas each year, from November 1 through November 30, the United States
celebrates National Native American Heritage Month;
Whereas National Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity to consider
and recognize the contributions of Native Americans to the history of
the United States;
Whereas Native Americans are descendants of the original, indigenous inhabitants
of what is now the United States;
Whereas the Bureau of the Census estimates that, as of the 2020 census,
9,700,000 Americans identified as American Indian or Alaska Native,
alone or in combination;
Whereas Native Americans maintain vibrant cultures and traditions and hold a
deeply rooted sense of community;
Whereas Native Americans have moving stories of tragedy, triumph, and
perseverance that need to be shared with future generations;
Whereas Native Americans speak and preserve indigenous languages, which have
contributed to the English language by being used as names of
individuals and locations throughout the United States;
Whereas Congress has consistently reaffirmed the support for Tribal self-
governance and self-determination and the commitment of the United
States to improving the lives of all Native Americans by--
(1) enhancing health care and law enforcement resources; and
(2) improving the housing and socioeconomic status of Native Americans;
Whereas the United States is committed to strengthening the government-to-
government relationship that the United States has maintained with the
various Indian Tribes;
Whereas Congress has recognized the contributions and influence of Tribal
Nations on the Founding Fathers in the drafting of the Constitution of
the United States with the concepts of--
(1) freedom of speech;
(2) the separation of governmental powers; and
(3) the system of checks and balances between the branches of
government;
Whereas, with the enactment of the Native American Heritage Day Act of 2009
(Public Law 111-33; 123 Stat. 1922), Congress--
(1) reaffirmed the government-to-government relationship between the
United States and Native American governments; and
(2) recognized the important contributions of Native Americans to the
culture of the United States;
Whereas Native Americans have made distinct and important contributions to the
United States and the rest of the world in many fields, including the
fields of agriculture, medicine, music, language, and art;
Whereas Native Americans have distinguished themselves as inventors,
entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and scholars;
Whereas Native Americans 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;
Whereas the United States has recognized the contribution of the Native American
code talkers in World War I and World War II, who used indigenous
languages as an unbreakable military code, saving countless lives in the
United States; and
Whereas the people of the United States have reason to honor the great
achievements and contributions of Native Americans and their ancestors:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the recognition of ``National Native American
Heritage Month'';
(2) supports the recognition of ``Native American Heritage
Day'' in accordance with section 2(10) of the Native American
Heritage Day Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-33; 123 Stat. 1923);
and
(3) urges the people of the United States to observe
National Native American Heritage Month and Native American
Heritage Day with appropriate programs and activities.
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