[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 189 (Tuesday, November 26, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1508-E1509]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING NOVEMBER AS NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

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                       HON. XOCHITL TORRES SMALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 26, 2019

  Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Madam Speaker, this November, I am 
proud to join my colleague, Congresswoman Deb Haaland in recognizing 
Native American Heritage Month. This House Resolution draws attention 
to our country's complex history and celebrates the many contributions 
Native Americans have made to our nation. Importantly, it affirms the 
need to strengthen our

[[Page E1509]]

government-to-government relationship with nations, tribes and pueblos 
and highlights challenges Congress must address. With this 
responsibility, I recognize that Congress must respect and value the 
sovereign governments that have long called New Mexico home before I 
was privileged to represent it.
  Indian Country plays a critical role in our country's history, and 
too often these stories are not told. By designating November as Native 
American Heritage Month, we can collectively reflect on our nation's 
past and pay tribute. We owe it to those who came before us--and those 
to come--to tell the full truth about our nation's history and uplift 
voices that have been systematically suppressed: Most recently, I 
joined members of the Acoma Pueblo in celebrating a long overdue return 
of a sacred, ceremonial shield. After nearly four years of public 
appeals, a sacred piece that disappeared in the 1970s was rightfully 
returned to the Acoma Pueblo. Sadly, this is not an isolated event. The 
illegal acquisition and sale of sensitive Native American items is 
widespread, and I am committed to working with tribes to end the export 
of unlawfully removed items and return them home.
  In addition to fighting to preserve the culture and traditions of the 
pueblos and tribes in southern New Mexico, we must recognize our 
responsibility to ensure Native communities are provided with the 
proper support to build a better future. It's why this year I supported 
advanced appropriations for the Indian Health Service (IHS) and the 
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to grant stability to Tribal programs 
and ensuring that Tribal Governments are not negatively affected by 
impasses in the federal appropriations process. I was also proud to 
support the passage of the reauthorization of the Violence Against 
Women Act and the additional protections added this year for Native 
women. Lastly, I worked with my Republican colleague Rep. Dusty Johnson 
to fight for full funding for the New Beginnings for Tribal Students 
Program, which provides competitive grant funding for Land Grant 
institutions that are actively seeking to increase recruitment, 
retention, and graduation rates for Native American students.
  As a Representative for southern New Mexico, I have the privilege of 
representing many tribes and pueblo communities. I know firsthand that 
our state's past, present, and future is tied to the vibrancy of its 
Native American communities. Native American Heritage Month is an 
important step towards fulfilling the trust and responsibility owed to 
our Native American sovereign governments. I am proud to join my 
colleagues, Reps. Deb Haaland (NM-01), Tom Cole (OK-4), Sharice Davids 
(KS-3), Ruben Gallego (AZ-7), Raul M. Grijalva (AZ-3), Betty McCollum 
(MN-4), and Markwayne Mullin (OK-2) in recognizing November as Native 
American Heritage Month.

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