Hickenlooper, Colleagues Introduce Resolution Recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper joined Senator Martin Heinrich and fourteen of their colleagues in introducing a resolution to recognize the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The resolution also supports the official designation of Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a federal holiday, celebrating the rich histories, unique cultures, and lasting contributions of Indigenous Peoples across the United States. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is currently celebrated on the second Monday of October in over 200 municipalities and 17 states. “Today on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor the cultures, histories, and resilience of Native communities — including the two Tribal nations in Colorado.” said Hickenlooper “ We recommit to honoring every promise the federal government owes and to continue building a relationship worthy of that trust.” “I have the honor of working with the 23 Tribes and Pueblos in New Mexico, as well as with Tribal Nations across Indian Country” said Heinrich “What I hear from Tribal leaders is consistent and clear: the federal government must step up and uphold its treaty and trust responsibilities, respect Tribal sovereignty, and stop attacking the programs and resources that Tribal members rely on. I wholeheartedly agree.” The resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján, Angus King, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Brian Schatz, Tina Smith, Ruben Gallego,Tim Kaine, Mazie Hirono, Jeff Merkley, Adam Schiff, Alex Padilla, Cory Booker, and Tammy Baldwin. The resolution is endorsed by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Pueblo of Acoma, Alaska Federation of Natives, National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH), Navajo Nation, All Pueblo Council of Governors (APCG). Full text of the resolution is available HERE . ###