DNC Statement on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People Arrow

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison, DNC Native Caucus Chair Clara Pratte, and DNC AAPI Caucus Chair Bel Leong-Hong released the following statement commemorating the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples:

"As we celebrate the International Day of the World's Indigenous People, we proudly recognize the meaningful contributions that Native American, Native Hawaiian, Native Pacific Islander, and Native Caribbean Islander communities have made to our nation and beyond. As we honor their successes and listen to their stories, we must also recognize their strength throughout hardship and determination to persevere.

"As Democrats, we are committed to uplifting Indigenous communities and ensuring their voices are heard. President Biden and Vice President Harris have been dedicated advocates for Indigenous people since their arrival at the White House. Under their leadership, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan, which authorized the largest direct federal investment in Tribal Nations - $32 billion - in history. The Biden-Harris administration's landmark Bipartisan Infrastructure Law also catalyzed historic progress toward expanding access to high-speed broadband internet on Tribal lands along with other crucial investments in Tribal communities.

"Democrats are committed to preserving the traditions, cultures, languages, and lands that Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have called home for centuries, and President Biden and Vice President Harris are working hard everyday to ensure equitable engagement with Native communities. Starting this year, the Department of Interior requires formal consultation with Native Hawaiians and new federal guidance mandates the use of the Hawaiian language in commemoration of Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi or Hawaiian Language Month. Through Biden's Investing in America Agenda, the administration is tackling the impacts of climate change on Native Hawaiian communities.

"While it is important to remember the vital role Indigenous people play in the United States, we must also remain aware of the threats that MAGA Republicans pose to Indigenous communities across the country. As Donald Trump and his far-right loyalists are working tirelessly to silence Native voices through gerrymandered congressional maps and extreme voting restrictions, Democrats are fighting this political suppression and amplifying Indigenous voices from Guam to the top of Alaska, bottom of Florida and the shores of Maine.

"We recognize that the diversity of our nation is what makes it so special - and today, we celebrate the incomparable value that Indigenous communities add to our country. We also know there is more work to be done to ensure all of our nation's Indigenous communities are supported. Vice President Harris and Governor Walz are running this November to reaffirm our commitment to uplifting Indigenous communities."