[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 12, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E31-E32]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING DR. JOELY PROUDFIT AS MY CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE LEVIN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 12, 2022

  Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to 
recognize Carlsbad resident, educator, and fierce advocate for 
Indigenous peoples, Dr. Joely Proudfit, for my December Constituent of 
the Month. A Native Southern Californian and a Luiseno/Payomkawichum 
woman, Dr. Proudfit first tapped into her passion for activism in 
college as a way for her to stay connected to her Native ancestry and 
support Native peoples. As the first member of her family to complete a 
high school diploma, and now a renowned and tenured professor, Dr. 
Proudfit has dedicated her life's work to furthering the education and 
promotion of proper representation for Native Americans and Indigenous 
peoples in media and society.
  Dr. Proudfit strives to serve as a role model to Native youth by 
encouraging all who enter her classroom that anyone can achieve success 
with self-determination and a desire for knowledge. Dr. Proudfit also 
uses her platform as an educator and highly visible advocate to shed 
light on the harmful stereotypes and false narratives perpetuated 
around American Indians and to change perceptions of tribal 
communities.
  What makes California's 49th District so special is the rich blending 
of cultures, backgrounds, and walks of life throughout our communities. 
The voices and stories of Native Americans have fallen to the shadows 
far too often. I am so grateful to have leaders and role models like 
Dr. Proudfit who are the voices we need for these communities to be 
seen and heard. The contributions and voices of Native and Indigenous 
peoples are fundamental to our national story, and Dr. Proudfit's work 
to lift up tribal communities has made our community and our country 
stronger. I'm proud to recognize her as my December Constituent of the 
Month.

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