[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 16191]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

  Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the 
consideration of S. Res. 590.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 590) 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.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, each November, we reflect on the 
tremendous contributions Native Americans have made and continue to 
make to our nation. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian 
Affairs, I am honored to continue that tradition by introducing this 
resolution, along with 26 of my colleagues from both sides of the 
aisle, honoring National Native American Heritage Month.
  Native Americans have contributed immeasurably to the character and 
culture of the United States. They played an instrumental role as code 
talkers in both World Wars by using their Native languages on the 
battlefield, and to this day, they continue to serve in the military at 
a higher rate per capita than any other group in the country. In my 
home State of Montana, I am proud to represent more than 5,000 Native 
American veterans, as well as eight great tribal nations.
  As we celebrate and commemorate the rich and diverse cultures and 
traditions of Native Americans nationwide, it is important to 
acknowledge the enduring challenges many tribal communities face in 
meeting the education, healthcare and general welfare needs of their 
people.
  This month is an opportunity to recommit to strengthening the 
government-to-government relationship between tribes and the United 
States. It is also a reminder that the Federal government has treaty 
and trust obligations to the 566 Federally recognized tribes, and we 
must do more to ensure they have the tools they need to build stronger 
and healthier communities.
  I look forward to continuing my work with Indian Country, and I hope 
my colleagues and the American people will join me in celebrating the 
accomplishments of Native Americans, not just this month, but 
throughout the year.
  Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, each November, we 
recognize National Native American Heritage Month to celebrate the 
heritage and culture of the great nations that originally inhabited 
this country. During this month, we should reflect on the numerous 
achievements made over the previous year. Each day, individuals and 
organizations across Indian Country continually tackle tough issues and 
strive to make significant impacts for their people and tribes. It is 
these efforts that show the strength and vitality of Indian Country.
  This year, across the Nation, Native American movements have unified 
and rallied the Native voice on several important issues to Indian 
County. Thousands of individuals have come together on the steps of the 
U.S. Capitol to share their views on environmental protections, treaty 
rights and the use of a racial slur by a professional sports league. A 
grassroots movement in South Dakota also spurred voters living on the 
Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to get out the vote and approve the 
change of their county name from Shannon County to Oglala Lakota 
County. These actions reflect a positive drive in the Native community; 
a drive that tribal, local, State and Federal Governments cannot simply 
ignore.
  As sovereign nations, tribes have the ability to empower and govern 
their own people. Native American leaders in South Dakota and across 
the country have recognized that preserving their culture is vital to 
future growth and success. Native languages are being revitalized and 
tribal cultures are being infused into programs. With its treaty and 
trust responsibility, the Federal Government must support this 
continued progress. I have always fully believed that the best ideas 
come from tribal governments and leaders, and not from Washington, DC. 
We must continue to work together to understand and implement 
successful approaches.
  South Dakota is home to nine treaty tribes, each with its own 
distinct culture and heritage. Throughout my years of service, I have 
had the opportunity to work closely with many leaders from each 
reservation. I would like to personally honor each of the South Dakota 
tribes: Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, the 
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, the Oglala 
Sioux Tribe, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, the 
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and the Yankton Sioux Tribe.
  With the commencement of the National Native American Heritage Month, 
I encourage everyone to join in commemorating the unique culture of the 
indigenous peoples of the United States. Throughout the country, 
numerous tribes and organizations are coordinating educational events 
and celebrations. While the month of November is in tribute of 
traditions and accomplishments of tribal nations, it is important to 
contemplate the many more undertakings that must be addressed. We must 
all continue to work together to find positive solutions for Indian 
Country.
  Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, 
the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be considered 
made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 590) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  (The resolution, with its preamble, is printed in today's Record 
under ``Submitted Resolutions.'')

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