Murkowski, Udall Legislation Honoring Native Women Passes Senate
Celebrating Achievements in Military Service, Civil Rights, and More
The U.S. Senate passed a resolution led by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Tom Udall (D-NM), celebrating the successes of Indigenous women across the nation. Their resolution recognizes contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women in the United States, highlighting their service in the military, efforts to break down gender barriers, and work to advance civil rights. The resolution also recognizes the importance of supporting equality, improving safety, and ensuring the interests of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women are well-represented.
“We have been working hard to shine a light on the disproportionate amounts of violence experienced by Indigenous women across the U.S. But as we continue our work to make right those inequities, it is equally important that we recognize the great accomplishments, heritage, culture, and contributions of Alaska Native, American Indian, and Native Hawaiian women,” said Senator Murkowski. “Earlier this year, we unveiled a new $1 coin featuring Elizabeth Peratrovich, who is deeply admired for her legacy as an Alaska Native civil rights leader. Women like Elizabeth Peratrovich and how they paved the way for future generations should be remembered and celebrated.”
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women are stepping up to serve their communities in a variety of ways, from providing frontline services like healthcare and public safety to representing their communities in the highest levels of government service and Tribal leadership. Their dedication during this crisis is just the latest example of the truly remarkable contributions of Native women throughout our Nation’s history,” said Senator Udall. “I am proud to work with Senator Murkowski on this resolution to honor the work and accomplishments of so many groundbreaking Native women – including Native New Mexican women like Santa Clara Pueblo’s Floy Agnes Lee and Ohkay Owingeh’s Esther Martinez. As vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, I will continue to fight for legislation and policies that will honor the legacy of their work and ensure future generations of Native women have the tools, rights, and opportunities they need to thrive.”
Click here for full text of the resolution.
Resolution excerpts:
- Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women contribute to their communities, Tribes, and the United States through work in many industries, including business, education, science, medicine, literature, fine arts, military service, and public service.
- Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have demonstrated resilience and courage in the face of a history of threatened existence, constant removals, and relocations.
- Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women are the life givers, the culture bearers, and the caretakers of Native peoples who have made precious contributions, enriching the lives of all people of the United States.
- Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women broke down historical gender barriers to enlistment in the military, including—
- (1) Inupiat Eskimo sharpshooter Laura Beltz Wright of the Alaska Territorial Guard during World War II; and
- Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have played a vital role in advancing civil rights, protecting human rights, and safeguarding the environment, including Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich of the Tlingit Nation, who—
- (1) helped secure the passage of the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945 of the Alaska Territory, the first anti-discrimination law in the United States; and
- (2) was recognized by the Federal Government on the 2020 $1 coin honoring Native Americans and their contributions.
