Crapo, Risch Celebrate National Native American Heritage Month

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho) applaud the Senate passage of a Senate resolution recognizing November 2024 as National Native American Heritage Month and the Friday after Thanksgiving as Native American Heritage Day.

“In addition to honoring the remarkable achievements of Native Americans and their ancestors, the resolution emphasizes Congress’s reaffirmation of tribal self-governance and the government-to-government relationship between the United States and Native American governments,” said Crapo.  “The Native American Tribes of Idaho have helped shape our state and national history, and their perspectives help guide advancements.  Joining in celebrating the heritages and cultures of Native Americans and the contributions of Native Americans to the United States is an honor as we look to the future of our great state and nation.”

“Native American Heritage Month celebrates the profound contributions of Idaho’s Native communities to our great state,” said Risch.  “I’m proud to recognize the national importance of our Tribal Nations alongside my colleagues in the Senate.”

Senate Indian Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Ranking Member Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) led the introduction of the resolution that in addition to Crapo and Risch was co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), Michael Bennet (D-Colorado), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), Laphonza Butler (D-California), Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico), George Helmy (D-New Jersey), John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado), Mazie K. Hirono (D- Hawaii), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Tim Kaine (D-Virginia), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico), Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts), Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Patty Murray (D-Washington), Alex Padilla (D-California), Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Chuck Schumer (D-New York), Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), Krysten Sinema (I-Arizona), Tina Smith (D-Minnesota), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Jon Tester (D-Montana), Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), Mark Warner (D-Virginia), Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) and Ron Wyden (D-Oregon).

There are many opportunities to learn more about the history of the Native American Tribes of Idaho by visiting tribal museums and the Tribes’ websites (cdatribe-nsn.gov, kootenai.org, nezperce.org, sbtribes.com and shopaitribes.org/spt/).  For example, historic photos and artifacts of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes can be viewed at the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum of Fort Hall.  In addition to viewing historic objects there are many places to visit in Idaho with significant cultural importance.  The National Park Service website contains information about 38 historic locations in the Nez Perce National Historical Park and maintains a virtual museum of more than 200 items providing a “glimpse into the rich culture and history of the Nez Perce.”  These are just a few examples of the many locations and projects across Idaho honoring tribal heritage. 

Read the full text of the resolution HERE.